As litigation costs and risks continue to skyrocket, mediation has become the preferred alternative to settling disputes. As a result, many people view mediation as a kind of career gold rush and are drawn to the prospect of easy money. In Dispute Resolution Field Manual, author Rodney Romano lays out the reasons and obstacles that cause a nearly 90 percent failure rate and how to overcome them. Holding nothing back, he provides frank and practical information about necessary traits and skills to be a good mediator, how to establish and maintain a successful mediation practice, and how mediators can positively affect those who use their services. He details the steps needed for every aspect of mediation both in practice and on the business side. This concise, no-nonsense book is meant to be used as a daily reference for all dispute resolution practitioners and participants.