Litigation is time consuming, costly, and stressful. Until a judge or jury decides the case, you can never be certain of the outcome. Arbitration sometimes involves a panel of arbitrators that take on the role of a judge. Mediation, on the other hand, is generally conducted by a single mediator that is agreed on by both parties. A mediator does not judge the case or make decisions but simply helps to facilitate discussion, and meets with each party and attorneys with the goal of eventual resolution of the dispute.