In her mediations, Marney encourages participants to truly listen to one another, to connect, but to still be strong and principled advocates for their positions.

Parties are encouraged to structure and craft a resolution themselves, with the guiding hand of Marney as mediator. Mediation is not meant to be a process in which parties are strong-armed into a settlement which leaves them feeling unsatisfied or bullied. 
Instead, people should feel as if they have created something that satisfies their deepest and most pressing concerns and allows a sense of closure. Marney views the role of the mediator in that process as that of a facilitator, a wise friend, a creative shepherd or sounding board to assist in turning issues and problems around into solutions. Where appropriate, Marney will share her own views on the merits of a case, drawing on 30+ years of experience as counsel and mediator, but only if doing so will encourage further discussion, and not to be used as a pressure tactic with either party to a dispute.

Marney has over 30 years experience in civil litigation, including dozens of trials and over 1000 mediations.

Marney came to the role of mediator because as counsel, she frequently found herself slipping into the role of peacemaker or problem solver, and sometimes right into a mediator position. Seeking out a solid foundation of training through the Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution was a natural step, and gave a solid and principled foundation to what came naturally to Marney in her interactions with colleagues, disputants, friends and family. It seemed the most logical step, then, to move to a solely mediation practice in 2017.  
 

Marney is committed to continuing to learn and grow as a mediator, and participates in professional skills mediation training courses on a yearly basis, as well as seeking out mediator colleagues in Canada and the United States with whom to engage in exchange of ideas and sharing of knowledge and experience. Marney has written and presented in the area of mediation and negotiation, and plans to continue to grow and learn in this area in the years to come.