Mediators help people work through disagreements by guiding conversations and encouraging collaboration. Here’s a look at what they actually do.
When people hear the word mediation, they might picture a tense meeting room, two people at odds, and someone sitting in the middle trying to calm things down. In reality, mediation is often much more collaborative—and the mediator’s role goes far beyond simply keeping the peace.
So, what does a mediator actually do? Let’s take a closer look at how this process works and what makes it an effective way to resolve disagreements.
The Basics of Mediation
Mediation is a way for people in a dispute to come together and talk through their issues with the help of a neutral third party—the mediator. Unlike a judge or an arbitrator, the mediator doesn’t make decisions or take sides. Instead, they guide the conversation, help clarify what matters most to each side, and look for areas of common ground.
The goal of mediation isn’t to “win” or “lose.” It’s to find a resolution that both parties can agree on. The process is private, often less formal than going to court, and generally focused on problem‑solving rather than confrontation.
A Mediator’s Role
A mediator wears several hats during the process: part facilitator, part translator, and part peacekeeper. Here’s what that can look like in practice:
While mediators guide the process, they don’t impose outcomes. The people involved decide for themselves whether to reach an agreement—and what that agreement looks like.
Where Mediation Is Used
Mediation is used in many areas of law and life. It’s common in family cases like custody or parenting arrangements, but also in business disputes, workplace conflicts, contract issues, and real estate matters. Some mediations happen voluntarily; others may be encouraged or required by a court before a case moves forward.
Regardless of the setting, the goal remains the same: find a constructive path forward through communication.
Why Mediation Appeals to Many People
Mediation can be a practical alternative to going to court. It’s often faster, less expensive, and more private. But perhaps most importantly, it allows people to keep more control over the outcome—something that’s not always possible in a courtroom setting.
Even when mediation doesn’t lead to a full agreement, it can help narrow the issues and set the stage for future resolution.
Final Thoughts
A mediator’s job isn’t to hand down decisions—it’s to help people talk, listen, and, hopefully, move toward a solution together. It’s a process built on communication and cooperation, not competition.
If you’d like to learn more about how mediation is generally used in Minnesota, the team at Borden, Steinbauer, Krueger & Knudson, P.A. can provide general information.
Born and raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Sam is thrilled to return to Central Minnesota after passing the bar exam in 2024. Sam's diverse experience spans roles with the Douglas County Attorney’s Office (Civil Division), a Nebraska lobbying firm, Hudl, and the University of Nebraska Civil Clinic. Through these positions, he gained valuable exposure to various areas of law, including civil litigation, policy advocacy, and client counseling. Early in his legal career, Sam is eager to leverage his skills and experiences to deliver effective and personalized legal solutions for BSKK’s clients.
Areas of Practice:
- Business Litigation
- Construction Litigation
- Property Law & Real Estate
- Contract Disputes
- Personal Injury
- Probate/Trust Disputes
- Landlord/Tenant
- Family Law
Education:
- University of Nebraska College of Law, Lincoln, Nebraska, 2024, J.D.
- Concentration in Real Estate and Business Transactions
- North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, 2019, B.S.
- Honors: Magna Cum Laude
- Majors: Political Science and Management Communication
Bar Admissions:
- Minnesota 2024
Professional Memberships:
- Minnesota State Bar Association
David V. Hurt is a seasoned litigator who has been advocating for individuals, families, and businesses across Minnesota since 2012. His practice is rooted in a practical, results-driven approach that blends strategic litigation with thoughtful dispute resolution. David's clients trust him to navigate complex legal issues with clarity, efficiency, and unwavering commitment.
He began his legal career clerking for the Honorable John G. Melbye in the Ninth Judicial District of Minnesota, where he gained invaluable perspective on trial practice and judicial reasoning. Since then, he has built a diverse portfolio of experience at firms in Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania—litigating matters ranging from corporate and construction disputes to aviation claims.
David’s practice spans a wide range of civil matters, including business formation and litigation, real estate and land use disputes, probate and trust litigation, and family law. He is particularly experienced in resolving high-conflict disputes and routinely employs alternative dispute resolution strategies to secure favorable outcomes for his clients while minimizing cost and disruption.
Areas of Practice:
Education:
Bar Admissions:
Professional Affiliations:
Virginia "Ginny" Knudson represents individuals and businesses in various areas of law, including, estate planning and probate, business and corporate, real estate, and governmental relations. Ginny provides mediation services in divorce and custody, especially for business owners and high wage-earners, as well as for real estate, probate and business disputes. Ginny has been selected as a top attorney by Minnesota Super Lawyer Magazine from for 13 years.
Areas of Practice:
– Estate planning
– Business and corporate
– Real estate and landlord representation
– Probate disputes, guardianships and conservatorships
– Municipal and governmental relations
-- Mediation
Education:
– University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1994, J.D.
– Honors: Cum Laude
– University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1991, B.A.
– Honors: Summa Cum Laude
– Honors: Aquinas Scholar
– Major: Economics, Spanish, Minor: Business
Bar Admissions:
– Minnesota, 1994
– U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 1994
– U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 1996
Professional Memberships:
– St. Francis Church Finance Council, 2004–present, Chair and Trustee
- Essentia-St. Joseph's Medical Center, Directors Council, 2020-present
- Lakes Area Music Festival Board, Board Member 2022-present
– Brainerd Area Chamber of Commerce, 2016-2022, Board Member and Chair
– Mount Ski Gull, Board Member, 2014-2019
– Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Brainerd Lodge #615
– Zonta International, 1999–2018
– Jaycees, Brainerd, 1998–1999
– Aitkin/Crow Wing County Bar Association, 2000–2001, President
– Aitkin/Crow Wing County Bar Association, 1999–2000, Vice-President
Patrick has been practicing law since 1980, dedicating over 90% of his career to representing personal injury victims and their families, as well as handling a wide range of civil litigation matters. He is a Certified Trial Specialist recognized by the Minnesota Bar Association and was named a leading American attorney in personal injury law by the American Research Corporation. His professional excellence also earned him recognition as a Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law & Politics, placing him among the top six percent of attorneys in Minnesota.
Pat is enjoying a well-deserved retirement after 40+ years of practice. We thank Pat for his years of dedication to the firm and his service to the Brainerd Lakes Area. His legacy is marked by a deep commitment to justice, compassion for clients, and significant contributions to the legal profession.
Areas of Practice (during his active years):
Plaintiff’s Personal Injury
Civil Litigation
Real Estate Litigation
Construction Litigation
Contract Litigation
Mediation and Arbitration
Education:
– University of North Dakota School of Law, Grand Forks, ND – J.D., 1980
- Honors: Graduate of the Year, Bruce Inn
- North Dakota Law Review, 1979–1980
– Concordia College, Moorhead, MN – B.A., 1974
- Major: Business Administration / Hospital Administration
Bar Admissions:
Minnesota, 1980
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 1981
Professional Memberships:
American Bar Association, Member
Minnesota State Bar Association, Member
American Association for Justice, Member
Minnesota Association for Justice, Member
Crow Wing-Aitkin County Bar Association, Past President
Brainerd Area Chamber of Commerce, Past Board Member
Brainerd Jaycees, Past President (1981–1982)
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Brainerd Lodge #615, Past Exalted Ruler
P.O.R.T. Group Home, Past Member, Board of Directors
