Mediator Spotlight - Allan Schwartz
Mediation Center®
Mediator Spotlight - Allan Schwartz
March 2025
What drew you to become a mediator?
As an attorney, I was involved in my share of civil litigation. I learned the process is deeply flawed. It is too time consuming, expensive, stressful and unpredictable. Mediation is the best option available when disputes cannot be resolved independently. Most California Association of REALTORS® mediations are, monetarily, small to moderate sized disagreements, even if strong feelings exist. These cases wilt under the strains of protracted litigation.
Can you share a memorable mediation experience?
No single mediation experience is elevated above the rest in my memory. The most rewarding are when we succeed to place what would otherwise be a vexing controversy behind us. Doing so nearly always creates a positive difference for people. Generally, success at mediation is earned. Earned successes are my most memorable mediations.
What qualities do you believe are essential for a mediator?
Many qualities combine to make a good mediator. For instance, a good mediator ought to be both a compelling speaker and an able listener. One other quality is dedication. Some mediators readily take “no” for an answer. There is commonly some point of impasse in the course of a mediation where a “no” might be accepted. I seek to push around those barriers.
What do you think is the most common misconception people have about the mediation process?
Some participants strive too much to convince the mediator of the merit of what they say. Actually, you are speaking, through the mediator, to the other participants. I hope people will listen to and comprehend each other, even if not convinced by what they hear. Understanding another’s views, even while not embracing them, can be essential to mediation achievement.
What hobbies or interests do you have outside of mediation that complement your role as a mediator?
I am naturally a person of many interests. One I have pursued is being a tour guide. I recently developed a new tour but needed the concept to be approved. There were an unpredictably large number of delays, twists, personalities, impediments and blocks to navigate prior to approval. Sometimes mediation parallels that. Perseverance can be the difference.
Discover a better way to overcome real estate disputes at the C.A.R. Real Estate Mediation Center for Consumers. Visit www.consumermediation.org or call (213) 739-8376 to learn how our mediators can facilitate your dispute resolution with expertise and care.