Must someone with settlement authority attend?
General Mediation
Answer
Often yes, especially in court-ordered civil mediation. Requiring a person with meaningful settlement authority reduces the risk of an unproductive session in which no one can make decisions. Corporate, governmental, and insurance participants may have special approval structures.
Reviewed by Wayne Lazarus on September 17, 2026.
Reviewed by Wayne H. Lazarus, attorney with more than 50 years’ experience, member of the State Bar of Georgia and The Florida Bar, and of Alternative Dispute Resolution sections.
This information is educational and is not legal advice.