"Mike has exceptional mediation skills. He was persistent and realistic about the possible outcomes. I appreciated his straightforward approach and his astronomy jokes. He has a million of them (like the stars). Thanks, Mike, for another excellent job resolving a difficult case!!!"
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"Mike Balmages is the best. I'm a repeat customer because he doesn't spend time winding people up about their case facts - he just gets down to the business of settlement!"
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"Mr. Balmages is our hero. With only a few days notice, Mr. Balmages was able to prioritize our matter, review lengthy briefs discussing a years-long fact pattern and numerous legal issues, and confer with all counsel to develop a detailed understanding of our clients' dispute. Conscious of the reality that this dispute was going to be very difficult to settle (the parties had already prepared for arbitration, remained very far apart, and had "strong" personalities), I was pessimistic about the potential for settlement. However, Mr. Balmages was able to work with both parties very well and facilitated a settlement with which both parties were pleased (and grateful). Thank you, Mr. Balmages! We will definitely be requesting your services in the future and highly recommend him to anyone."
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"Michael Balmages did an extremely outstanding job as our mediator. Not only did he agree to mediate the case on extremely short notice, he did an unbelievably great job in reviewing the multiple and lengthy briefs of the parties, and absorbing all the key facts and legal issues presented by the case. He then dealt patiently and magnificently with counsel and their clients, all of whom had very strong beliefs and emotions about the case, in order to bring the parties to a settlement. This case was close to impossible to settle but somehow, he got the parties to reach an agreement. Based on his performance in this case, he joins my list of my top 10 mediators. I will use him again, and I will spread the word to my colleagues regarding his skill and effectiveness. All in all, a great guy and a great mediator."
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"Very contentious case between four sides that had been extensively litigated for over 4 years. We brought Michael in one month before a lengthy jury trial in a last-ditch effort to mediate- although I was reluctant and skeptical. I was impressed by his attention to detail and ability to calm everyone's nerves and talk everyone out of their corners. After 9+ hours of negotiations and last ditch mediator's proposal, I was surprised to see everyone agree to the final proposal. A great job and will definitely use Michael again! Thanks again."
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"We were extremely well served by mediator Balmages. He is one of the best mediators I have ever worked with. Not only is he skilled and diplomatic, but he also works hard and goes beyond the call of duty. Had he been involved in the first mediation, this case probably would have settled three years ago saving thousands in legal fees. He will be my first choice and recommendation for a mediator going forward."
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"Mike was the most effective mediator I have ever had the privilege of working with in my 30+ years of handling complex business litigation matters."
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"Mr. Balmages was a wonderful and effective mediator. He was pleasant, persuasive, knew just how to deal with my clients and most importantly provided constructive solutions to keep the negotiations moving to a place where the parties finally were able to agree to a mutually acceptable resolution. I highly recommend Mr. Balmages and I will definitely request him again in the future."
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"Michael is and continues to be not only knowledgeable but his communication skills with clients are superb. Client felt that his understanding, comprehension, and forthrightness was most appreciated. Obviously, I concur."
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"Mr. Balmages continues to prove himself to be a highly effective mediator. He has a gift of recognizing the complexities of each unique case as well as working with the parties to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of their cases to facilitate resolution. He also demonstrates his dedication to to help the parties reach a resolution, even if a settlement cannot be reached on actual day of mediation. I truly appreciate Mr. Balmages efforts to go "the extra mile" and continue following-up with the parties who did not initially settle. Those efforts are certainly effective and beneficial for the parties, and they are truly appreciated."
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"Michael was excellent as a mediator. He was able to settle our case that I considered to be a hard case to settle. I will not hesitate to use him as a neutral again."
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"Mr. Balmages is a true gentleman that has been most helpful and skilled in his pursuit of a fair settlement. "
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"Mr. Balmages is outstanding, practical and approachable. Exceptional negotiator!"
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"Mr. Balmages is excellent. He was very diligent and worked extremely hard to settle a case that all thought could not be settled. I highly recommend him."
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"Everyone time I have used Mr. Balmages, I have settled a case for my clients. He tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Mr. Balmages is one of the top mediators I have worked with."
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"Mr. Balmages was very persuasive in obtaining a settlement. This was a case that I did not think could settle. He stuck with it even after our time expired and finally beat the parties down until they settled. I would definitely use him again as a mediator."
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"Michael did a terrif job in settling this case. After our own efforts at settlement failed, he was able to "get the job done". He is knowledgable in the law and has a a wonderful "people personality" that made the process easy. We would clearly use him again."
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"Just concluded my first mediation with Michael Balmages, Esq., and I could not be happier or more satisfied with our decision to engage him in this matter. The settlement discussions went on until late in the night on back to back days. I have never had a mediator put in the effort that Mr. Balmages did to get the parties to a resolution. Without his efforts I am confident that the parties would be in the midst of depositions rather than finalizing a settlement agreement. Mr. Balmages came heavily recommended by many attorneys in my office and I can see why. He is now on my short list of go to mediators."
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"Mr. Balmages does it again! With his skill, persistence, and wisdom, Mr. Balmages was instrumental in helping counsel to settle a difficult case, even if the settlement came 4 days after the mediation date. We are grateful that all parties came to a satisfactory agreement and do not have to prepare for a what would have been a long, arduous trial."
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"Michael Balmages is an incredibly effective mediator. He always remains even keeled and is very good about reminding the parties about the cost benefits of litigation versus settling. In my view, if you can't settle a case with his help, there's likely no other mediator who could have settled. Definitely a great addition to ADR services."
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"Mr. Balmages went above and beyond for our case, re-engaging when the settlement was on the brink of falling apart, which could only have happened because he spent the time to generate trust on all sides. I highly recommend him!"
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"Mike Balmages is a top notch mediator. Over the years, Mr. Balmages has mediated between 5 and 10 cases. In almost every case, if not every case, the mediations in which I have used him as a mediator have ended up settling. This particular case was challenging and through the persistence of all parties and Mike's hard work, we were able to achieve a settlement which I believe was in the best interests of all parties. I would definitely use Mike's services again. In addition, I will continue to recommend his services to others."
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"I've used Mike several times. He is an excellent mediator. This was a difficult case with a lot of emotions. Mike's tone and manner (and his pragmatism) were very effective."
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"Mr. Balmages did an incredible job guiding what had been a long simmering and contentious case into an expedient resolution addressing the concerns of all parties involved. He was able to be both respectful and firm in his handling of the parties’ corresponding settlement postures. Moreover, Mr. Balmages knows how to expertly “cut to the chase” when necessary."
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"This is the second time that I have worked with Michael over the past few months, and on each occasion, he was exceptional. He provides great attention to the matter, uses common sense to explore how to find common ground for the parties, and is diligent in that pursuit. He is easy to work with, has a good sense of humor, and can also be firm if the situation warrants. I will definitely work with him in the future."
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testimonials
Arbitrator
Tel: (949) 863-9800