M. C. (Rick) Walton

Mediation is a process of facilitated negotiation in which a neutral third party assists the parties in resolving their differences in a confidential and relatively informal atmosphere.   Based on the premise that an outcome crafted by the parties themselves is generally more satisfactory than one that is imposed on them by a judge, jury or other external decision-maker, mediation provides an efficient and cost-effective alternative to litigation. 

As a principal in Partners Legal Search, Rick works to place partners and practice groups at leading law firms in major metropolitan markets.  Since 1986, Partners Legal search has focused on this narrow aspect of the legal placement market, and currently maintains offices in New York and Houston.

An advocate who is himself a mediator can add depth to the negotiating team in mediation.  When the stakes are high, it is often advantageous to engage additional counsel on an ad h0c basis either to assist regular counsel or to conduct an independent evaluation and negotiation of the matters at issue. 

Business entities that do not have their own large legal or claims organizations sometimes find themselves involved in unanticipated volumes of litigation or in particular matters whose magnitude and complexity transcends the ordinary capacity and resources of those entities or of their regular counsel.  In such circumstances, engagement of a consultant with experience in selecting counsel, coordinating their activities, and evaluating litigation and resolution strategies can be of considerable value,  on a case-by-case basis or under a longer-term arrangement.

Rick also conducts a general legal practice with emphasis on litigation, including class actions and other matters that are complex because of the number of parties, difficulty of  legal issues or range of business issues involved. His legal experience covers a wide variety of subject matter including environmental, antitrust, securities and other commercial and personal injury lawsuits as well as business transactions and negotiations.