Fees & Policies.
Flat, per-side pricing quoted up front, with the payment terms, rules, and confidentiality policies that govern every mediation.
Flat, per-side rates.
Each side pays its own share, so counsel can quote the cost to a client up front. Multi-party matters are divided among the participating parties.
| Session | Two-party | Multi-party (3 or more) |
|---|---|---|
| Half day (up to 4 hours) | $2,000 per side | $1,900 per side |
| Full day (up to 8 hours) | $3,500 per side | $3,300 per side |
| Additional time | $400 per hour, per side | $400 per hour, per side |
Swipe to see both columns.
Fee schedule (PDF)
The published fee schedule is the operative document. If this page and the PDF differ, the PDF controls.
Payment
A signed fee agreement must be completed before the mediation date. Counsel of record are responsible for timely payment. Fees are due within forty-five days of invoice unless otherwise agreed in writing, and the obligation applies regardless of whether the matter settles.
Cancellation
Once a session is confirmed, the reserved time is held for the parties. Cancellation and reschedule charges are based on the scheduled rate:
- More than 10 business days beforeNo charge
- 6 to 10 business days before50%
- 5 business days or fewer100%
The $400 administrative fee is non-refundable, though a credit may apply when a rescheduled session occurs promptly.
Format and travel
Virtual mediations are hosted securely by Gillette. In-person sessions in the greater Seattle area are billed at standard rates. Travel beyond that area is billed at actual cost plus a $500 per hour additional-time rate.
The rules that govern every mediation.
Mediations are conducted under a standard set of procedures so every participant knows what to expect before the session begins.
1. Initiating mediation
Any party may start mediation by phone, email, or online scheduling. Gillette confirms participation with all involved counsel or parties.
2. Appointment of mediator
Mediators must be free from financial or personal interests in the outcome. A conflicts review and disclosure of any potential bias precede acceptance.
3. Scheduling
After confirmation, session details are coordinated including date, time, and format, in person or virtual. Court-ordered cases receive priority scheduling.
4. Good-faith participation
Participants commit to resolving the dispute in good faith. Parties may mutually modify these rules provided Gillette receives advance notice.
5. Conduct of the mediation
Parties with settlement authority should attend, in person or virtually. The mediator may conduct private caucuses with each side. Written materials submitted beforehand aid preparation.
6. Confidentiality and privilege
All mediation statements remain confidential and inadmissible in court or arbitration to the maximum extent allowed by law. Parties cannot compel mediator testimony or records. Settlement agreements may be admissible for enforcement unless the parties agree otherwise.
7. Discovery
Parties should mutually agree on a limited discovery scope before mediation. The mediator may offer non-binding recommendations if disagreement persists.
8. Role of the mediator
The mediator provides no legal counsel, protects no party’s rights, and offers no expert analysis. Settlement is not guaranteed. Parties should seek independent legal advice.
9. Termination of mediation
Mediation ends upon execution of a settlement agreement, a mediator determination that further effort would be unproductive, or any party’s request to withdraw.
10. Fees and billing
Fees follow the published fee schedule. A signed fee agreement must precede the mediation. Fees are due upon request or within 45 days of invoice.
11. Responsibility for fees
Counsel of record bear responsibility for timely payment. Services are not contingent, and fees apply regardless of the settlement outcome.
12. Administrative authority
Gillette addresses administrative issues not covered here and takes reasonable steps to facilitate the process.
13. Limitation of liability
Gillette and its mediators have qualified good-faith immunity, and are not necessary parties to any action to enforce a settlement.
14. Amendment of rules
These rules may be amended without notice. The version effective at scheduling applies unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.
What stays in the room.
Mediation communications are privileged under Washington’s Uniform Mediation Act, RCW 7.07, and are not admissible in later proceedings except in the narrow circumstances the statute defines. The policies below govern materials submitted for mediation.
Safeguarding confidential and protected information
Gillette and its affiliated neutrals use and maintain appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect all confidential materials, including any Protected Health Information provided by client firms, counsel, or participants.
Restrictions on duplication or distribution
Materials submitted for mediation may not be copied, forwarded, reproduced, or otherwise distributed to any third party without the express authorization of the submitting party or its representatives.
Confidentiality in electronic communications
All electronic correspondence includes confidentiality language intended to prevent privileged or protected materials from being disclosed to unauthorized recipients.
Notice of erroneous disclosure
If Gillette becomes aware of any unauthorized disclosure of confidential materials, it will promptly notify the affected party and take corrective action as appropriate to mitigate potential harm.
Subpoenas and requests for records
Gillette and its neutrals will not cooperate, except as required by law, with any effort to subpoena or obtain mediation records, notes, or work product. All such materials are confidential and protected under applicable mediation privilege statutes and court rules.
Disclosure between parties
Gillette will not provide materials containing Protected Health Information or other confidential information to any other party in the mediation unless specifically authorized by the submitting party or as required by law.
Retention and disposal of materials
Unless a party specifically requests that its submissions be returned at that party’s expense, mediation materials are securely destroyed after the conclusion of the matter. Hard copy is shredded by a professional service; electronic materials are permanently deleted from secure storage.
Ready to put a date on the calendar?
Pick a scheduling path, or call and we will talk through the right fit.
Gillette Mediation & Arbitration provides mediation and investigation services in a neutral capacity. Nothing on this page is legal advice, and no attorney–client relationship is created by scheduling or participating in mediation. Rates and terms are current as of 2026 and may be amended; the fee agreement signed for a given matter controls.