Appraisals, Mediations and Settlements
Expert Mediation, Settlement Counsel, and Appraisal Umpire Services
Burton Kelley offers specialized Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services designed to resolve conflicts efficiently outside of traditional court proceedings.
Led by Managing Partner Michelle Burton, a skilled negotiator holding a mediation certificate from the San Diego Mediation Center, our firm provides expert assistance in focused settlement negotiations, mediation facilitation, and property appraisal disputes.
Ms. Burton is frequently engaged by clients as dedicated settlement counsel, leveraging strategic negotiation expertise to resolve complex cases effectively. Drawing on her ADR training, she also facilitates productive mediations, guiding parties toward mutually acceptable resolutions.
Furthermore, in disputed property insurance claims requiring appraisal, Ms. Burton serves as a qualified neutral Umpire, appointed to preside over the process and impartially resolve disagreements regarding the value of the loss.
Our Approach
Dedicated Settlement Counsel
We serve as dedicated settlement counsel, strategically negotiating resolutions for complex client disputes.
Mediation Facilitation
We facilitate productive mediations, guiding parties toward mutually agreeable, efficient conflict resolution.
Neutral Appraisal Umpire
We act as a neutral Umpire in property appraisals for impartial loss valuation decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services does Burton Kelley provide?
Our firm offers ADR services, including acting as dedicated settlement counsel for negotiations, facilitating mediations, and serving as a neutral Umpire in property insurance appraisal disputes.
What is the role of "settlement counsel"?
A client specifically retains settlement counsel to focus strategically on negotiating and achieving a favorable resolution to a complex dispute, often working alongside existing litigation counsel.
Does Ms. Burton serve as a mediator?
Yes, leveraging her mediation certification from the San Diego Mediation Center and extensive negotiation experience, Ms. Burton facilitates mediations to help parties reach voluntary resolutions.
What does an Umpire do in a property insurance appraisal?
When appraisers selected by the insurer and insured disagree on the amount of loss in a property claim, a neutral Umpire is chosen to review their positions and make a binding decision resolving the dispute.
What qualifications does Ms. Burton bring to these ADR roles?
Ms. Burton combines years of litigation and negotiation experience with formal training, evidenced by her San Diego Mediation Center mediation certificate. This makes her well-suited for these neutral and advocacy roles.
What are the benefits of using these ADR services?
Compared to traditional litigation, these ADR methods can offer faster, more cost-effective, confidential, and flexible ways to resolve disputes, often giving parties more control over the final outcome.