By Linda Wolfe

Dispute Resolution Services is up and running in Lamar County!

The use of volunteer mediators was introduced to Lamar County by Steve Walker, a local attorney and mediator. Walker championed the cause and solicited the support of 6th District Judge Jim Dick Lovett. In short order, 62nd District Judge Jim Thompson, County Judge Chuck Superville, and County Court at Law Judge Dean Loughmiller also voiced their support.

Initial training sessions were held in October 1999 after an article in The Paris News attracted 39 volunteers, who completed their basic training under the tutelage of Bob Good of the Tarrant County Dispute Resolution Center. Afterwards, 32 of the basic graduates underwent advanced training in family law, with 29 completing those sessions. Seven of these additionally went on to qualify to mediate CPS cases.

Cost of the training was covered by surcharges on cases filed in Lamar County courts. In exchange for receiving the training at no charge, each mediator agreed to mediate eight cases for the DRS Center before receiving a certificate of completion.

Good established a solid foundation, which was then supplemented by local attorney and counselor mediators, who donated their time and experience to work with the trainees through lectures, role playing, and open discussions. Several of the new mediators traveled to Tarrant County to participate in mediations and are hoping to participate in Dallas mediations in the future.

The first Lamar County cases were heard in January 2000, and the numbers steadily increased as the word got out. DRS Director Carl Lucas states, "We had 57 mediations scheduled, 49 of which were actually conducted. Of those, 41 reached an agreement, for a whopping 83.67% agreement rate, well ahead of the state average of 68%."

In comparison, these 49 cases far exceed first-year figures for other, larger dispute centers with much greater populations from which to draw. "Compared to last year, we are actually ahead in 2001 in numbers of mediations scheduled, though I have to admit our success rate has dropped some and is probably a little more realistic now," stated Lucas. "In addition, we have expanded our services into Fannin and Red River counties and have had interest from parties in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana."

Paris Junior College is the assigned administrator of the program, providing training space, office space and support, and mediation rooms. The program is administered through the PJC Continuing Education department under the guidance of Director Carl Lucas. MPTechnologies software is being used to track activity.

Mediations are conducted using co-mediators, "which gives more people more experience in a shorter period of time," stated Lucas. "We try to match mediators up to cases. For instance, we assigned a retired paramedic as a mediator for a case involving patient care at a nursing home."

Lucas continued, "We have had a variety of cases, from the typical divorce property settlements and child visitation cases to personal injury suits, business disputes and neighborhood conflicts. We've been lucky to get exposed to such a variety of cases, not to mention a variety of clients and attorneys! It's been good experience for all of us."

Director Lucas and several of the mediators have spread the word about mediation through presentations to local service clubs such as the Lions and Rotary and by getting the word out to members of the Lamar County Bar Association. Direct mail also has been used, as well as articles in the local newspaper.

While a large number of the cases so far have been court referrals, Lucas emphasizes in his presentations, "Our services are available to anyone who has a problem they need resolved. Having a dispute with a neighbor? Can't get satisfaction from a local merchant? Our mediators are available to help resolve the problem. The fee is only $30 per participant, much cheaper than filing a lawsuit."

One client shared his mediation experience in a recent letter. "The entire situation was handled exceedingly well. The atmosphere was relaxed and the mediators allowed each side latitude to elaborate on their positions. I was most impressed, but I still did not think that an agreement could be reached. Then, when it seemed impossible, the mediators introduced a completely new idea to the table; and suddenly, we had agreement! You did something I thought was close to impossible!"

As a further indicator of interest in the area of mediation, a Society of Mediators was formed in the Lamar County area, with membership open to anyone with an interest in mediation. Several local attorneys and judges have shown support with their participation. Officers are Carl McGehee, president; Bennie Gray, vice president; Linda Wolfe, secretary; and Ann Norment, treasurer.

The society meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of odd-numbered months in the PJC Alford Center. The next meeting will be September 18. To confirm meeting time and place, contact the society secretary at (903) 785-5455.

For more information on the DRS Center, Carl Lucas can be reached at (903) 783-9839 or email To :mediation@paris.cc.tx.us