Mike Patterson believes in the importance of neutrality and the appearance of neutrality. Where appropriate, the following is provided to the parties' attorneys:
The Ethical Guidelines for Mediators established by the ADR Section of the State Bar of Texas addresses, in Section 4, the disclosure of possible conflicts. This section is similar to ethical guidelines set out by other mediator organizations and the Uniform Mediation Act. Section 4 states:
Prior to commencing the mediation, the mediator should make full disclosure of any known relationships with the parties or their counsel that may affect or give the appearance of affecting the mediator's neutrality. A mediator should not serve in the matter if a party makes an objection to the mediator based upon a conflict or perceived conflict.
___________________ have used me as a mediator within the last two years.
___________________ and I were law partners from ______ until ______.
___________________ has been in my home or I have been in his home within the last two years.
___________________ is a close personal friend of mine.
From April 1981 until January 1, 1988, I did insurance defense work for several insurance companies including Texas Farm Bureau, Southern Farm Bureau, State Farm Insurance, Gulf Insurance, Commercial Union, U.S. Insurance Group, Hochheim Insurance and others whose names I cannot remember.
If you would like further information on any of these matters, please call me.
