Partner Certified To Conduct Mediations

By David Hood
Partnership Chair

Michael P. Thomas, a partner with the law firm of Patrick, Harper & Dixon LLP, has been certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission as a North Carolina Superior Court Mediator. Mediation is a structured settlement discussion among the parties to a lawsuit or other dispute. Courts frequently order participants in litigation to attend mediation. Only Certified Mediators are eligible to conduct mediation sessions ordered by North Carolina Superior Courts.

Mr. Thomas represents clients in litigation throughout North Carolina and around the country, in cases concerning employment laws, corporate governance, and business transactions which have not ended successfully. He also advises and represents business clients in negotiating complex agreements, including executive agreements and corporate transactions. The training required to become certified not only further enhances Mr. Thomas’ skills negotiating on behalf of clients but it also expands the set of services he offers to the community.

About the Author

David W. Hood, Partnership Chair of the Firm, is a trial attorney in a wide-ranging civil practice with over 200 jury trials to his credit. His concentrations include Business Disputes, Construction Law, Personal Injury and Collections. He is also a certified mediator, helping to settle cases pending in both state and federal court. He recently finished his term as President of the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys, the organization for lawyers representing business interests in civil litigation. Mr. Hood has spoken to lawyers and industry groups on such topics as evidence rules, contractor liens on real estate and contract funds, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, litigation ethics, and real estate claims.