They may also be held separately, with each party talking with the mediator alone in caucus. In caucus, the mediator agrees to keep such discussions separate, unless a party asks the mediator to share what is said with the other party or parties. It is important that the mediator selected has the training and experience to create a fair and impartial process for discussion of issues and knows how to allow problem-solving efforts to take place. The mediator selected should belong to one or more professional groups which require, as a condition of membership, compliance with ethical standards. These same ethical standards may also provide support for the parties to any dispute, and a place to find answers to questions they may have.
Mediation really is an art, and a fine art at that.
Successful mediators develop necessary skills in many ways, and it is difficult to know precisely what qualities make a person a good mediator. Understanding this, it is important for parties to mediation to have an opportunity to meet and interview prospective mediators, and to ask whatever questions they deem necessary. Good mediators do not have to be attorneys, and, in fact, sometimes should not be attorneys, but they should have intimate familiarity with the system of applicable laws, and they should have direct experience in the business involved in the dispute.