In recent years it has been getting more common and there are more and more seminars offered for Mediators. On the other hand many lawsuits result in settlement. But it seems to me that settlements in the US are often made between the lawyers first, without the presence of the parties and in places outside from the courtroom. In Germany most of the settlements are made in court, in front of the judge, and not only between the lawyers but also in presence of the parties. On the hearing date each party and their lawyers have the opportunity to make a statement.
Judges usually encourage attempts to settle the lawsuit.
Most settlements are achieved by negotiation in which the attorneys and the parties agree to terms of settlement. If the parties have reached a settlement, it is read into the record in court and approved by the court so that it can be enforced as a judgement. Beside the legal differences, living and working in Dallas was different in an interesting way . So many metal detectors in court houses were unfamiliar to me, also the office hours - everyone finishing work at 5.30 instead of 8 o'clock or later, going to court in person to file something. Looking back, it was both interesting and exciting and I have learned many things, not only about a different legal field also about living in another country.