The key is to find someone who knows and understands the field or area where you are having a dispute and who is qualified in the mediation process. This is a growing area, and the establishment and implementation of criteria for skills and abilities of arbitrators and mediators is well underway. The Arbitration and Mediation Institute of Canada has recognition by the government for the designations of Chartered Arbitrator and Chartered Mediator. Increasingly, there are educational programs through the institute as well as other teaching facilities such as universities. These programs teach mediation and arbitration skills.
Specific training is important.
Although a professional may understand the field, he or she also needs dispute-resolution skills. Ask about specialty education and experience. Mediation and arbitration are both processes that cost much less than going to court. If both parties want to reach a settlement, the skill of the mediator can help them reach an agreement or binding decision in shorter time. The mediator in fact teaches the parties how to manage conflicts.