More Testimonials

“After spending several years litigating an extremely difficult case, on many levels, the parties agreed to a Mediation.  There were a lot of complex, moving, and emotional pieces to the case, and it was not a case that I thought had a reasonable chance of settling at Mediation. … Judge Rau did an exceptional job, from a people perspective and a legal perspective, and the case resolved.  I highly recommend Judge Rau as a Mediator who will take the time to understand the case, the issues, and the people.”

“Judge Rau did an excellent job serving as our mediator.  Her preparation and very thoughtful approach to the mediation session, complete understanding of the complex medical and legal issues, and the tremendous experience she brings from her years on the bench were invaluable to bringing the parties together.  She handled the parties in a fair and balanced manner. I would recommend her to any party who is interested in mediation.”

“Judge Rau brings an incredible wealth of knowledge, skill and expertise to mediation. Our case presented many challenges including, but not limited to difficult clients and unrealistic expectations.  Judge Rau navigated these difficulties with ease and worked through the early morning hours to reach an equitable settlement resolution for the parties. This matter would not have resolved without Judge Rau’s involvement.”

“Judge Rau is a most determined mediator.  She is willing to dedicate countless hours to the mediation process and strives for a resolution fair to all.  She skillfully balances each party’s right to control their outcome with the principles and benefits of conflict resolution.”

“Having mediated with countless mediators over the past 25-30 years, it was refreshing to mediate a case with Judge Rau who did exactly what good mediators are supposed to do- be a facilitator of continuing the stream of ongoing dialogue between the parties, their counsel and carriers. Having been a trial judge provides a judicial perspective in the mediation process that is missing from some mediators.”

“In a very complicated wrongful death matter which the Plaintiff did not feel inclined to attend a mediation, Judge Rau was recommended on 3 separate occasions … before the session was agreed to.  Terribly sad case with lots of emotions on top of complicated legal issues.  After the reaching a resolution at the late hour of the session, I can say without a doubt that Judge Rau was the only mediator who could have brought the parties together.  She was willing to do the hard work, stay late, tell both sides what they didn’t want to hear – but needed to hear – which laid the ground work to achieve a resolution.  I highly recommend Judge Rau as a mediator.  No one will be more prepared and committed to working to resolve the case.”

“Judge Rau is a refreshing, forward-thinking mediator and easily among top three before whom I have appeared over the past 20-plus years.  Her coordination and preparation with counsel prior to mediation significantly reduced sizable tension among the parties and their attorneys, and streamlined the mediation process; her preparation for the mediation was readily evident:  for each position point stressed by a client or counsel, Judge Rau’s ability to convey a contra perspective not raised by the opposition both tempered the point and allowed the client or counsel to meaningfully move toward the mediation’s aim.  Given her extensive service on the bench, Judge Rau certainly brings a wealth of experience to the mediation table; more critically, however, the Judge does not resort to “gavel and robe” tactics in an attempt to force settlement, but rather, guides the parties through her observations toward resolution of their dispute.”

“I am a trial attorney practicing for almost thirty years and have participated in countless mediations around the country representing both plaintiffs and defendants.   In my experience, Judge Lisa Rau at Resonate Mediation in Philadelphia is one of the best mediators in the country.  Using her experiences as a judge in Philadelphia for more than eighteen years, she was well-prepared for my mediation, and quickly understood the complicated issues that were involved in the contentious litigation of a complex multi-party lawsuit.  Her hard work during the mediation sessions, and tenacious follow-up after the parties had separated, bridged the seemingly insurmountable gaps between the parties’ respective positions, successfully negotiating a settlement and providing closure for litigants.  I highly recommend Judge Rau for any mediation, whether your dispute is in Philadelphia or elsewhere around the country.”

“My endorsement and recommendation for your use of Judge Lisa Rau at Resonate is without qualification. She has taken the philosophy of amicable, predictable and cost efficient dispute resolution to the next level. Between her years of experience as practitioner and jurist and her own personal commitment to best practices in mediation, she categorically has captured what it takes to resolve not just cases “that would resolve anyway” but the case that nobody thinks can resolve and is “destined” for trial. She pivots exercising control and demonstrating wisdom that also allows counsel to meet professional responsibilities of zealous advocacy. She does not employ a “one size fits all approach.” She recognizes the unique challenges of each case. We had a matter which defied labels or analogy. The loss was extraordinary and the risks for both sides substantial. She deftly navigated legal issues, practical and financial obstacles and human nature. Late into the evening she continued hard, detailed work on terms, conditions and the nuances of a sophisticated settlement which earned the respect of all counsel and clients involved; some of whom had no expectation this could “get done.”  Settlement brought closure for every party and peace no amount of litigation would have achieved.”

“I would not have changed or added a thing to the process. [Judge Rau’s] approach is really great. … [She] will be at the top of my list for the next one.”

Judge Rau did an outstanding job in mediating our work-related motor vehicle accident case. …She was very helpful in meeting with the worker’s compensation carrier and getting a massive lien reduced so we could settle the case. I would recommend Judge Rau to any attorney seeking a mediator who gets things done.”

“Judge Rau’s communication and technique was extremely effective in a difficult case with difficult and strong personalities …. My clients were thrilled and surprised that Judge Rau was able to resolve the case after years of failed attempts outside the mediation process.  She will be our go to mediator for difficult cases going forward.”

“Judge Rau comes extremely qualified and knowledgeable to mediate matters with professionalism and courtesy.  Her patience to discuss the good, bad, and very difficult issues that heighten emotions, and . . .  the law in a manner that comforts clients and supports attorneys is a credit to her ability to do what mediators should do – remain a neutral intermediary with particular sensitivity to those role differences.”

“We have mediated … medical liability cases utilizing the services of Resonate Mediation and Judge Rau was instrumental in settling [those] cases. Judge Rau was well prepared, even handed, attentive, creative, patient and persistent. My clients have all been extremely grateful for her efforts in getting these cases resolved.”

We could not have done it without [Judge Rau] and I mean that. I have had many many arbitrations and mediations and no one was as dedicated to getting it resolved as [Judge Rau was] . . . . we already had a mediation that went nowhere!

In a Dram Shop case with a very complex liability picture, Judge Rau was a godsend. She brought her considerable experience to bear in an “unsettleable” case. It was her command of the case and her continued optimism which allowed all parties to trust in the end result. Judge Rau is the best.

Judge Rau recently served as our mediator on a factually intense PA Dram Shop claim which involved a catastrophic injury.  The parties did not have high expectations that the claim would settle, but agreed to mediate.  Judge Rau was very effective in terms of her communicating with an extremely volatile Claimant.  Judge Rau also provided very worthwhile input regarding case value based upon her experience on the bench and her presiding over verdicts with similar injuries.  Judge Rau’s private discussions with both sides during the mediation went a long way to convince the parties to compromise significantly in order to achieve an amicable settlement.  I would recommend retaining Judge Rau for future dram shop cases and/or personal injury claims in general.

“I found the session excellent….Judge Rau is an excellent Mediator.  She is insightful, gracious but tough, and thoroughly prepared on the issues.”

I will certainly give my highest recommendation for other counsel to use Resonate. Having used other companies in the past, I can honestly say that Judge Rau and Resonate handled this mediation in a manner that was more… understanding of the client’s issues than many other mediators with whom I have previously interacted. An all around excellent experience.

The client really enjoyed Judge Rau sharing her experiences.  It was very helpful, and the exercise made the client look at her case from another perspective, which I think was helpful for her.  My client loved it, felt that she was heard, and was very satisfied with the results.  Resonate is always my first choice.

In the past, I have found mediations frustrating when [our client’s] defenses are sometimes glossed over and just seen as an impediment to settlement.   Judge Rau understood the importance of both [our client’s] statutory and contractual defenses  and gave them the weight they deserved.  Her experience and acuity make her the ideal candidate to mediate any matter with complicated legal issues.

I recently completed my second successful mediation in a row with Judge Rau. She is refreshingly relentless in her resolve to settle her cases. More than two dozen phone calls and emails after we left the mediation and she settled our case to the satisfaction of all parties. We will of course continue to use her on our most complicated and high value cases. She is a gifted, compassionate and balanced mediator. She has transitioned seamlessly from the bench to private mediation.

Judge Rau knew from the start which tact would most effectively resolve the case, and she was right. She was able to establish a feeling of trust amongst all parties involved and the virtual platform was seamless. I will no doubt use Resonate for future mediations and highly recommend others do the same.

It was a pleasure to work with you.  I have done remote depositions but not mediation.  I was pleasantly surprised how well the technology of the mediation went yesterday.  With 12 participants, the task was not easy.  … I spoke with several counsel in other matters today and advised how well yesterday went and that I would recommend you for future mediations. 

The … matter was certainly not an easy one.   I really appreciate all of [Judge Rau’s] efforts working (for over 12 hours on Zoom!) to get this case done.  That was quite a feat!  I truly believe we were able to reach the global settlement as a direct result of [Judge Rau’s] hard work and determination. … [Our client] enjoyed [Judge Rau’s] comments and wisdom on the strengths and weaknesses of the case and what happens when you let a jury decide your fate.  Hearing from a judge with [Judge Rau’s] demeanor and experience helped reinforce many of the key issues and I believe it helped [our client] make decisions with confidence. 

Thank you for your attention to detail in resolving this complex case.  As you know, the case was pending for many years and you were able to bring closure for all involved.  I think I can speak for everyone, job well done!  I look forward to working with you again.

I have already sent an e-mail to [my firm’s] attorneys recommending Judge Rau….  Judge Rau has a well-deserved reputation for fairness.

I have already advised several individuals that I had a very positive experience and would use Resonate again.

I wholeheartedly recommend Resonate and Judge Rau.  I sincerely believe that Resonate and Judge Rau will soon be regarded as the preeminent mediator in the City.

The mediation session was very well done. Judge Rau presented a clear and direct explanation of the process.  I highly recommend judge Rau!

I would classify this as one of the best mediation experiences I have had in my career.  As a trained mediator myself, I paid particular attention to details such as how the mediator spoke to my client (and his spouse); how she changed tone and demeanor as dictated by the situation; how she pressed on even when it seemed like no deal would happen.  I was very pleased with the entire mediation session. … When we felt like hope was lost, Judge Rau brought us back from the brink and reasoned with us in a most effective way. This helped to get the case resolved. I highly recommend Judge Rau and Resonate Mediation.  Our case was complex with multiple non-monetary issues that Judge Rau helped us navigate. If it was not for experience and wisdom we would have ended at impasse. … I plan to use Judge Rau for my next mediation.