Mediation services backed by decades of litigation experience.

A legal dispute does not always need to end in a courtroom. Mediation can offer a more efficient and cost-effective way to resolve disagreements while giving the parties greater control over the outcome.

Gaertner Baron Professional Corporation offers mediation services with partners Arie Gaertner and Karen J. Sanchez. Drawing on extensive litigation and negotiation experience, Arie Gaertner and Karen J. Sanchez help parties and their counsel explore practical solutions to challenging disputes.

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  Arie Gaertner

  Founding Partner

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  Karen J. Sanchez

  Partner

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution in which an independent, neutral mediator helps parties work toward a mutually acceptable settlement.

The mediator facilitates discussions, identifies areas of agreement and helps the parties explore options for resolution. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator does not decide the dispute or impose an outcome. The parties retain control over whether to settle and on what terms.

Mediation provides a private setting for settlement discussions, with confidentiality subject to applicable law and the mediation agreement. A settlement reached through mediation can become a legally binding agreement and should be carefully documented.

What Are the Benefits of Mediation?

Where appropriate, mediation offers several advantages:

• Cost savings: Resolving a dispute through mediation may reduce the legal fees and other expenses associated with continued litigation.
• Efficiency: Mediation can help parties reach a resolution sooner, avoiding the delay and uncertainty of proceeding to trial.
• Control: Parties participate directly in developing settlement terms that address their needs and priorities.
• Flexibility: Settlements can include creative, practical solutions that may not be available through a court order.
• Privacy: Mediation allows parties to discuss their dispute outside the public courtroom.
• Preserving relationships: A constructive settlement process may help protect ongoing business, professional or family relationships.

Even when a complete settlement is not reached, mediation can help clarify the issues, narrow disagreements and identify a path forward.

Mandatory Mediation in Ontario

Ontario’s Mandatory Mediation Program applies to most civil actions in Toronto, Ottawa and Windsor, subject to exceptions. Certain proceedings involving estates, trusts and substitute decision-making are also subject to mediation requirements.

Mandatory mediation gives parties an opportunity to explore settlement before incurring the additional costs of litigation and trial. Although participation may be required, the parties are not required to settle.

Parties may also choose to mediate voluntarily, including before a court proceeding has started.

Mediation at Gaertner Baron

Successful mediation requires careful preparation, meaningful dialogue and an understanding of the realities of litigation.

Arie Gaertner and Karen J. Sanchez bring substantial experience helping clients navigate disputes, assess risk and negotiate settlements. As mediators, they apply that experience from an independent and impartial perspective, helping parties identify obstacles to settlement and explore workable solutions.

Our approach is practical and focused: create a constructive setting, ensure each party has an opportunity to be heard and help participants make informed decisions about resolution.

Types of Disputes

Contact us to discuss mediation for matters involving:

• Commercial and contract disputes;
• Shareholder and partnership disputes;
• Employment and workplace disputes;
• Wills, estates and trusts; and
• Other civil litigation matters.

Acceptance of a mediation is subject to a conflict check, suitability and mediator availability.

Contact Gaertner Baron for Mediation Services

To discuss your matter, enquire about availability, or obtain information about mediation fees and arrangements, contact:

Karen J. Sanchez
karen@gaertnerbaron.com
416-260-2100, ext. 205

Arie Gaertner
arie@gaertnerbaron.com
416-260-2100, ext. 201

Gaertner Baron Professional Corporation
119 Spadina Avenue, Suite 604
Toronto, Ontario M5V 2L1