Ben Roper Mediation Services

08/17/2023

I was really humbled by this. A former client who wanted to remain anonymous gave me this testimonial today.

"Requiring mediation services is a difficult journey for all parties involved; however, Ben’s thoughtful and transparent approach and empathetic demeanour made the entire process very smooth.

From the outset, Ben’s clear explanations of the relevant legal documents eased my understanding as a layperson, and his patience and thoroughness empowered all parties to make informed decisions. Ben has genuine care and works hard to craft his services cost-effectively in a way that anyone seeking mediation will appreciate. Do not hesitate to schedule a 1-hour consultation with Ben, as I’m sure you’ll want to continue the process with his help."

😊

05/12/2023

I believe everyone in the legal field has a responsibility to take access to justice seriously. Everyday people should be able to afford help, and as professionals we should all incorporate meaningful efforts in our practices to make that happen.
Here's a sample of what I've done:

1. Intentionally setting an affordable hourly rate. Mine is $150. Divided by 2 clients, that's $75 per person per hour.

A month of mediation with me is $1500-$2000 total, or $750-$1000 per person. This includes mediation sessions, coaching, resources, homework/prep emails, and reports. Most files wrap up, or are about to wrap up, in 2 months or less.

2. Before I accept money from anyone, I give both parties a free 1-hour joint consultation to give them resources and information to help them decide how to deal with their situation - even if that's not hiring me.

3. Accurate expectations. Because I have built a process with predictable work, I can confidently give them a quote.

4. I don't charge clients for brief phone calls, quick emails, or administrative work. That means a chunk of my time on every file goes unbilled.

5. No surprises. My clients know about *literally* every piece of billed work before it happens. And I have a live fee-tracking system that is accessible by clients 24/7.

6. Letting clients do the work. My process empowers the parties to create proposals and prepare for mediation sessions on their own. This means they take work off my plate. That's not only more affordable - it also puts them in charge of their outcomes.

Reach out any time:
902-316-1114
[email protected]
www.benroper.ca

04/19/2023

ATTENTION ALL ARBITRATORS...
Check this out... https://novascotia.ca/lae/conciliation/documents/call-for-arbitrators-en.pdf

04/06/2023

You know what's surprisingly hard about mediating divorces and separations? It's that in the process of helping people you make genuine connections with them, and then suddenly your work is compete and you have to say goodbye.

It kinda feels like a graduation!🙂

03/22/2023

I'm pretty thrilled to share some good news with you. 🥂

Partway through 2022, I made some serious changes to my marketing strategy and it's paid off *big time*. My year over year website traffic between February 2022 and February 2023 increased by 576%. I almost couldn't believe the traffic that I saw last month.

Needless to say, this totally changed the game for my business. I've been busy - in a good way - and it's a real privilege to have the opportunity to help more people resolve their conflicts in a better way.

02/24/2023

I recently gave a guest lecture at Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University and I tried to impress upon law students that there is a space for everyone in the legal/justice/dispute field. Not every person will thrive in every job, but there is probably a role that you can fit into. So, don't bend over backwards to change yourself for the role. Find the role that allows you to show up honestly.

That's why #1 in Jay's post - Authenticity - is so important. Discovering that I am more at home working from a neutral position than I am working as an advocate was so powerful. It opened up a whole new way for me to view myself and my career. It also made me recognize the blinders I had on. I didn't realize how creative I could be with my career.

And the funny thing is that I coach my clients on the same mindset as I mediate with them. I couldn't tell you how many times I've told clients, "You probably have more options than you realize." This is a key skill for the parties in a mediation. How are you supposed to negotiate if your mind is already made up? What is the quality of your decision if you haven't explored your options?

Be true to yourself while keeping your mind open and you'll find the way forward.

07/26/2022

Here's a free (and key) bit of conflict/negotiation coaching:
PREPARE FOR "NO"

A mandatory first step in *every* one of my files is at least 2 private, individual sessions with each client. Why not just jump right into the mediation?

It's because not everyone who comes to a mediation is equally ready to negotiate. It might seem natural to some of us, but negotiation is a learned skill. So, I provide individual negotiation coaching as step 1. Here are a few things that I include:
- What is a proposal?
- Is there such a thing as a bad proposal?
- What do I need to think about when preparing proposals?
- How do I respond to a proposal? (There are 5 ways, FYI)

Parties are allowed to say "no" to each other's proposals. You have that right. But guess what? So does the other party. So, one of the most essential negotiation skills that I can coach is to prepare for "no." In other words: What are you going to do if the other party says no to your proposal? Where do you go from there?

The answer is actually pretty simple - you make a backup proposal. Put a different proposal together. In fact, you should prepare in advance for the other party to say no. Imagine what kinds of things will be attractive to the other party. What can you put in your proposal that will make them more likely to say yes next time?

It works! I find that after I've coached both parties on these skills - and other skills - we quickly start moving towards settlements.

I provide the tools, the process, and a safe space. The parties take it from there.

For more info:
www.benroper.ca
[email protected]
902-316-1114

Save time, money, and stress by Mediating your dispute. Legally-Trained Mediator for Family and Civil Disputes in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Divorce mediation, Separation agreements.

06/15/2022

Do you have training in ADR and mediation? Heads-up on this job!

https://emploisfp-psjobs.cfp-psc.gc.ca/psrs-srfp/applicant/page1800?fbclid=IwAR0haMZ2BG1G0MvK2cl2BvrZ0dgt2htRy53UFJ9Z6SFzn9NN3Y1Tv3GD3HY&poster=1793910

06/02/2022

06/01/2022

Exactly HOW does family mediation work? What can you specifically expect from a divorce/separation mediation?

I've had quite a few people reach out with questions about how my family mediation model works. This is something I explain in great detail during my consultations. However, I figured it might be helpful if people could review a basic roadmap for my family mediation model before setting up a call.

So here it is!

https://benroper.ca/halifax-family-divorce-separation-mediation-services-pei

Learn about how Family Mediation saves you time, stress, and money. It's simply better than other options for a separation, divorce, or family law dispute.

05/20/2022

You know what I didn't expect when I transitioned my legal practice to 100% mediation?

I didn't expect how proud I would be of my clients! Here's what I mean...

Most of my work - maybe 80% - is in family mediation. And my family mediation model involves meeting with clients for short mediation sessions once a week, every week until we have resolved all agenda items. It's very different from what many people think about mediation - hiring a mediator for a half-day, or a full-day to reach a settlement.

My process is participant driven - I coach them on how to work on their issues, how to create proposals, and give them homework between sessions. People really like the model. And I'm usually involved with clients over the course of weeks and months.

But what's so great about this is seeing the trajectory of relationships. I get to see people learn, change, and grow - and that's a real privilege.

I've caught myself being struck several times over the last few weeks by how well my clients are working together, and how happy I am to be a part of it.

As always, reach out if you want to chat:
www.benroper.ca

Legally-Trained Mediator for Family and Civil Disputes in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Settlements for Divorce, Separations, Custody and Access, Child Support.

05/05/2022

I keep overhead (and client fees) low by using a home office and mediating via . When necessary I meet with clients in-person. It turns out that most of the time, my clients prefer working remotely!

One benefit to the remote work lifestyle is the freedom to occasionally set up in a cafe. This afternoon it’s emails/admin then a climb at SEVEN BAYS BOULDERING on Gottingen! Highly recommended.