Jill S. Bollwerk has been helping individuals and attorneys resolve disputes through mediation since 2017. As a certified mediator in both Missouri State and Federal Courts and a member of the panel of mediation services at Lexitas ADR, Jill brings extensive experience and professional knowledge to every case.
Unlike many mediators, Jill continues to actively litigate cases. With more than three decades of trial experience, Jill has successfully handled numerous jury trials, bench trials, workers' compensation hearings, and Social Security hearings. She has also established a strong appellate practice, arguing cases before state and federal courts as well as the Missouri Labor & Industrial Relations Commission. This depth of experience across various legal forums gives her unique insight into the challenges and uncertainties clients face in the courtroom and allows her to guide parties toward practical, fair, and mutually beneficial resolutions.
Jill also understands that successful dispute resolution requires more than just legal knowledge—it demands an understanding of the emotional dynamics that drive conflicts. Jill’s study of conflict psychology enables her to guide parties toward solutions that are both legally sound and emotionally satisfying.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to mediation, Jill carefully considers the unique aspects of each dispute and the specific needs of all parties involved. She creates a collaborative process that leads to clear, amicable solutions—and her dedication to ongoing education in alternative dispute resolution ensures she’s equipped to manage even the most complex disputes with empathy and authority.
“When I am hired to mediate a dispute, I do my best to not only understand the dispute and the parties’ relative positions, but I also try to determine the underlying emotional needs of each party,” Jill said. “Litigation can take a psychological toll on people, so as a mediator, I find it important to address and work through the emotions of the parties as well as the objective facts.”
Understanding Alternative Dispute Resolution
Forward-thinking legal professionals understand that strategic dispute resolution often requires looking beyond traditional litigation to achieve optimal client outcomes. Mediation and arbitration are forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that allow parties to finalize their disputes without the court system.
Mediation is a collaborative process in which a mediator, a neutral third party, facilitates communication between the parties to assist them in reaching a satisfactory settlement agreement. A mediator does not make decisions for the party, nor does she give legal advice, but she guides the parties into finding some common ground. Mediation is particularly helpful in personal injury cases, and Jill spends most of her time mediating these types of disputes. Jill also has experience mediating disputes involving insurance contracts, probate estate disputes, and employment disputes.
Arbitration, on the other hand, is not about settling the case. Arbitration involves a neutral third party who acts as an arbitrator, or judge, who listens to both sides of the case and makes a decision. Arbitration is binding and the findings of the arbitrator are final. This is a more formal way to finalize a dispute than mediation but can be quicker and less costly than a jury trial.
