Parties
Identify all parties and the law firm or attorney representing the client, including full legal names and contact details to ensure proper service and identity verification.
A focused agreement reduces ambiguity about representation, fees, confidentiality, and settlement authority, lowering the risk of post-mediation disputes and malpractice claims while improving efficiency during negotiation and document exchange.
This agreement is used when an attorney-client relationship is limited to mediation or when mediation requires distinct terms separate from general engagement letters.
By documenting scope and authority in writing, it protects client interests and sets operable expectations for counsel, the mediator, and opposing parties.
An attorney signs to accept representation for mediation, specifying the scope of services, billing terms, settlement authority limits, and conditions for withdrawal. The attorney’s signature binds the firm and triggers professional obligations under state ethics rules and the engagement terms.
The client signs to confirm acceptance of the mediation-limited engagement, fee and expense responsibilities, confidentiality consent, and any grant of limited settlement authority or instruction for post-mediation execution of documents.
Identify all parties and the law firm or attorney representing the client, including full legal names and contact details to ensure proper service and identity verification.
Define the limited scope of representation (mediation only, settlement drafting, limited post-mediation tasks) and note any excluded services requiring separate engagement.
State whether counsel has authority to accept or sign settlements on the client’s behalf, any dollar limits, and required client approvals for particular outcomes.
Specify billing rates or flat mediation fees, how mediator or venue costs are allocated, retainer handling, and billing frequency or settlement contingency terms if applicable.
Include mediation privilege acknowledgements, treatment of mediator communications, and exceptions for disclosure (court orders, ethical duties).
Explain withdrawal procedures, obligations upon termination (final bills, return of files), and effect on ongoing settlement negotiations.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Field | Enable required; timestamp and signer IP captured |
| Date Field | Auto-fill on signature; use MM/DD/YYYY format |
| Signer Authentication | Use email + SMS code for added assurance |
| Audit Trail | Retain full event log and PDF certificate |
Ensure the provider supports ESIGN/UETA compliance, optional HIPAA BAA where required, RON or in-person notarization workflows if your jurisdiction or party requires notarized acknowledgements.
Date the agreement is signed; obligations begin on this date.
If a retainer applies, state when payment is due relative to mediation.
Set a deadline for exchange of exhibits and position statements.
Date(s) of the mediation event and expected end date.
Specify timeframe to sign settlement documents after an agreement is reached.
Agreement executed and retainer (if any) received; representation begins.
Parties exchange exhibits, position statements, and evidence as agreed.
Facilitated negotiation occurs; mediator may propose settlement options.
Draft and sign settlement agreement or record failure to settle; file dismissal papers if required.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
A broker and homeowner execute a mediation representation agreement to limit counsel scope to buyer-seller negotiations.
An employee retains counsel specifically for mediation of termination claims, with confidentiality and limited discovery negotiation.