Corey T. Denevan | Mediator

Mediator Bio

During my time at the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Law, each course had a component to develop skills in negotiation, mediation, arbitration and problem solving, which began the development of my interest in alternative dispute resolution. A majority of the cases that I have been involved in over the last seventeen years involved mandatory mediation and a few cases required arbitration. I have become adept and fond of the process of mediation and arbitration. The subject matter of most of my cases, and the cases I have been called to mediate are as follows:

• Will contests
• Durable powers of attorney
• Trusts
• Estate, gift and income tax issues
• Probate administration
• Elder abuse and neglect
• Guardianships
• Fiduciary duties
• Inter-family disputes involving
  –     Business succession planning
  –     Farm succession planning
  –     Caring for the elderly or disabled
• Partnership and corporate governance
• Contractual matters involving
  –     Real estate transactions
  –     Franchises
  –     Employment

The skills necessary to successfully mediate a case do not always require an expertise in a particular field of law. Mediation is more about developing an understanding the interests of the parties and finding opportunities for resolution.

While I have litigated numerous cases through trial and appeal, my most gratifying work has been in the area of alternative dispute resolution. Serving as a mediator or representing a client in mediation and creating a forum for the parties to control and craft their own resolution is very gratifying.  I have witnessed how the mediation process can provide a catharsis for clients resulting in a better outcome that is not necessarily achievable through traditional litigation. I have also found that arbitration can provide a more expedient, efficient, cost effective means of resolving a dispute in private.