At NC Center for ADR we believe that Mediation & Arbitration is a process through which parties with a dispute seek to voluntarily and, if possible, amicably resolve the dispute with the assistance of a neutral third party mediator. Mediators are often, but not always, attorneys. The familiarity of the law can be useful but is not necessarily essential. The mediators do not give legal advice, they do not make decisions, they do not require the parties do anything other than make their best effort at resolving their dispute. If the parties don't agree to a resolution then there is no resolution. Mediation is often required prior to binding arbitration or litigation.