How often is it said at the conclusion of a failed mediation that the mediator simply passed offers back and forth or that he/she was a perfectly pleasant person but simply lacked the strength of personality to influence the parties to settle? Mr. Wedge’s objective is to facilitate a resolution of disputes based upon their merits. He does not simply attempt to "split the baby," an approach sometimes used by mediators who may not be particularly knowledgeable concerning the issues presented in a complex commercial or construction case. Neither does he simply act as a messenger, transmitting demands and offers among the parties. Rather, Mr. Wedge draws upon his own knowledge, experience, advocacy and personality to influence the party or parties who may be "out of line" to adopt realistic positions. His approach is pro–active, and, in private sessions with the parties, he does much more than simply parrot the contentions of the other side. Rather, he aggressively reviews the positive and negative aspects of each party's case, evaluates the merits of each party's position in his/her presence and proposes solutions for the purpose of reaching an amicable resolution of the dispute. Mr. Wedge believes that the difference between most mediators and a really effective mediator is not simply an ability to identify the principal issues quickly but also having a strong enough personality to influence the principals to come to a fair resolution of their disputes. 

In a normal case, Mr. Wedge’s fee is $400 per hour, plus out-of-pocket expenses. His charges are divided equally among the parties participating in the mediation or arbitration. If travel is required, Mr. Wedge will attempt to schedule his travel during non-business hours and not charge for travel time during non-business hours. While most mediations Mr. Wedge has handled have been in the Southeastern United States, he has also handled cases as far from Atlanta as Los Angeles.

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