Pleased to Meet You.
Hi, my name’s David Somerfleck. Here are a few facts about me, including some biographical information. Please contact me via the Contact page for any additional information or clarifications.
Background:
- Certified in mediation/alternative dispute resolution by Jo-Marie Lisa, JD, of Bear-Wolf Mediation, Longmont, Colorado
- Successfully mediated cases of all types through Denver courts, the Denver Better Business Bureau, Jefferson County courts, the Colorado Bar Association, the Denver Bar Association, and in private practice
- Mediated with lawyers, trained and certified therapists and social workers, and former Colorado Assistant Attorney General
David Somerfleck david@justiceforall.cc (303) 453-9525
- Completed training with Victim Offender Reconciliation Program of Denver, in juvenile and restorative justice programs
- Successfully mediated a case meant to appear on the “Judge Judy” television program
- Former Probation Officer and Senior Court Clerk for the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office
- 15 years’ experience as an investigative journalist
- Experience with ADD/ADHD, ADA, disability, and accessibility issues
- Experience teaching college English and Journalism, in addition to adult-education programs
Approach:
As you might expect, different Mediators have their own unique approaches toward conducting effective meetings. The three most commonly-used methods for mediation are:
- Facilitative: In this process, the Mediator does not discuss the merits of a particular case, but chooses to focus on the needs of the parties, not specific issues, and moving them toward resolution
- Evaluative: Here the Mediator reviews factual issues in the matter, and brings to bear professional experience to persuade parties to compromise positions in order to avoid undue risk and “get real”
- Transformative: The primary goal of this focus, is to help parties repair damaged relationships, with an eye toward the dispute as well
Favored Approach:
A combining of all approaches is ultimately best for everyone concerned. It affords parties the greatest versatility in resolving disputes thoroughly, of a greater variety and scope. Certainly, some styles are more applicable for particular cases, and not all cases demand the same approach. Approaches also adapt to suit the needs of given circumstances; but it may be helpful for participating parties to be familiar with different approaches in anticipation of discussions moving forward.
