Episode Summary:

In this episode, Eric Pines shares his passion for mediation as a powerful tool to resolve federal employment disputes before they spiral into costly litigation. He explains mediation styles (transformative to evaluative), its differences from litigation and arbitration, the typical EEO/MSPB process, and the role of a neutral mediator. Eric highlights non-monetary wins like accommodations, disability retirement assistance, or workplace transfers, and stresses how mediation delivers catharsis, preserves relationships, and avoids years of stress and fees.

Key Timestamps:

00:01 - Show Introduction

00:30 - What Is Mediation? (Neutral Facilitator & Settlement Goal)

02:00 - Mediation vs. Litigation/Arbitration (Relationship Preservation)

04:00 - Typical EEO/MSPB Mediation Process (ADR Requests & Judge Involvement)

06:30 - Neutral Mediator’s Role in Credibility & Fairness

08:00 - Best Cases for Mediation (MSPB Judge Insights)

09:00 - When Mediation Isn’t Ideal (Precedent-Setting Legal Questions)

10:00 - Preparation: Crafting Your Story for Catharsis

11:30 - Non-Monetary Outcomes (Accommodations, Disability Help, Transfers)

13:30 - Avoiding Years of Stress & Legal Fees

15:00 - Client Benefits: Quicker Resolution, Relationship Repair

16:30 - Closing & Call to Action

About the Show:

"Empowering Workers" delivers clear, actionable guidance on federal employee disability retirement, employment rights, and Social Security Disability. Eric Pines, a nationally recognized federal employment lawyer and former in-house counsel for over 50,000 federal workers, helps listeners navigate complex benefits with confidence and clarity.