Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Scott.
Jessica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Well, while working toward my B.A. degree at Howard University, I learned how to communicate strategically when collaborating with others when trying to reach a common goal.
My major was Strategic Legal and Management Communications with a concentration in Legal Studies.
I attended the Thurgood Marshall Law School here in Houston and began investigating the positive outcomes that are possible through alternative dispute resolution.
When the lengthy and at times costly process of litigation is compared to the time and cost of mediation or arbitration, I began to see it as a practical alternative. I realized there is a need for this service alternative which led me to launch the Bayou City Mediation Center.
For me, being able to facilitate a space where two parties who are in disagreement can come together to be the architects of their own solution outside of the courtroom and without anyone else telling them how their own issue will be resolved was a game-changer. I wanted to be a part of the Alternative Dispute Resolution industry and I wanted more people to know that they have more options than simply taking someone to court, which can be outrageously expensive and mentally taxing. I created Bayou City Mediation Center with the goal of helping the people of Houston and surrounding areas resolve their disputes and keep as many issues as possible out of the legal system that is already short-handed.
Has it been a smooth road?
Taking a leap of faith to launch a new business that is not known as to the mainstream population has had its challenges. I have always been a rather private person so I’d say being the proprietor of a new business has called me to step out of my comfort zone and promote myself as one with integrity and one who respects others who may be in need of my services. Talking about myself has at times been quite challenging for me.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Bayou City Mediation Center offers alternative dispute resolution and mediation services to lawyers, law firms, corporate and individual clients who seek to resolve legal disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner without going through an expensive and time-consuming litigation. As a mediator, I facilitate a quality conversation between the parties to promote reconciliation, an agreement, or an understanding among them. Most of the time a dispute can simply be handled by practicing effective communication, and the fact is everyone doesn’t always know or have the tools to do such and that is where I come in. Once the two parties reach an agreement, I will then type a Mediation Settlement Agreement also known as a MSA, which is an effective contract between the two parties that is legally binding. I currently mediate civil cases covering contract, consumer, employment and personal injury as well as family-divorce-child custody disputes. I also own and manage a freight brokerage so I consider myself to have a special expertise when it comes to disputes arising from the logistics industry.
I guess what I’m most proud of with Bayou City Mediation Center is its potential to grow way beyond myself. I want Bayou City Mediation Center to be a place where anyone can go to handle their personal disputes and know that they have a fair and neutral person to aid them in providing the proper tools to create a quality conversation and a mediation settlement agreement.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, our city being one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. offers so many opportunities for families and businesses to connect and flourish while at the same time can present challenges for everyone to agree on problem solutions that may arise. These times could often utilize the services of Bayou City Mediation Center to guide them through a process of resolution. It is my goal to be a part of the peacemaking process in my hometown Houston.
The great thing about mediation is its an ideal process that can be used absolutely anywhere. Let’s say you have two neighbors that can’t agree on how often an encroaching fruit-bearing tree should be cut, both of whom enjoy the fruit from the tree. You would think something like this can be easily resolved but often times people want to take problems like this through the court system and that simply isn’t necessary. The two parties instead could easily go to mediation for a fraction of the cost and participate in listening and finding a comfortable median that satisfies everyone. Mediation can work for the smallest of disagreements all the way up to extremely complex contractual problems. It is highly encouraged by the court system to try and resolve your problem with the other party and come to a solution that you both agree on before going straight to filing suit, this is also why mediation is a great service for absolutely anywhere across the United States.
Pricing:
- $500, per party, for a time frame of four (4) hours.
- $1,200, per party, for a time frame of eight (8) hours.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bayoucitymediationcenter.com
- Phone: 8326091459
- Email: jscott@bayoucitymediationcenter.com
- Instagram: @bayoucitymediationcenter
- Facebook: Bayou City Mediation Center
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