As an arbitrator and mediator, Ray Harding often draws on his vast expertise stemming from 35 years of experience in the legal field. Mr. Harding holds a law degree from Brigham Young University and served as a judge in the Utah State District Court before taking on his current role as an arbitrator and mediator. Mr. Harding has found this aspect of the legal field to be uniquely rewarding due to the inherent difficulties involved in resolving these kinds of cases. With a reputation for impartiality and a penchant for facilitating settlements in even the most acrimonious of cases, Mr. Harding is one of the most sought-after mediators in the state of Utah.
In his time serving as an arbitrator and mediator, Mr. Harding has handled a variety of complicated legal matters that include cases relating to divorce proceedings, personal injury claims, contract disputes, estate law, employment issues and real estate matters, along with many other issues that require a legal resolution between multiple parties. Since there is almost always some degree of contention among those involved, Mr. Harding’s successful approach and his ability to resolve cases that would have otherwise been destined for trial has only enhanced his reputation while greatly increasing the demand for his services.
With over a decade of specific experience in this particular field, Mr. Harding has encountered many cases requiring a deft and professional approach. Whether the case is in mediation or has been sent for arbitration, Mr. Harding prides himself on developing an understanding of every last detail in order to achieve a resolution that all parties find to be more than fair.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
Dispute resolutions can be quite complicated, but I enjoy a challenge and have developed an ability for settling cases that others felt had no chance of being settled. My passion for mediation and arbitration has only increased over the years.
How do you make money?
Hourly fees are set for each mediation or arbitration session, and these fees are split between all of the involved parties. My services are currently booked several months in advance.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
Having already been established in the legal community and not having much overhead meant that we had little trouble filling our schedule and turning a profit very early on.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I was concerned that there would be some level of frustration over cases involving parties who were simply unwilling to cede any ground to the other, but I have found it exceptionally rewarding to help all parties achieve an amicable resolution in even the worst of circumstances.
How did you get your first customer?
There were several attorneys who appeared before me while I served as a judge who referred cases to my offices when I first began working in arbitration and mediation. They knew that their clients would be treated fairly and with exceptional professionalism, so my schedule was almost immediately booked solid very early on.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Aside from working diligently in each mediation session to achieve a fair resolution, I also maintain a website at www.mediationutah.com that provides contact information about the services I provide and how to schedule a session.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
Every single day is an adventure that includes a slew of difficult decisions, but ultimately I find it very rewarding when I find the key to achieving a resolution on any given day.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
In my 35 years as an attorney, judge, arbitrator and mediator, there is little that surprises me anymore. My experience and my knowledge of the law enables me to settle each case in a manner that is just for all parties.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Helping people resolve disputes that they could not resolve on their own and thereby bringing them the peace that comes from ending a lawsuit in a satisfactory way is very gratifying and allows me to feel a deep sense of purpose.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I believe that the future is bright for my mediation practice, and I expect to continue to provide quality mediation services for many years to come.
What is the most interesting case you have ever handled?
I could tell interesting stories about cases for days on end, but I am bound to keep this information strictly confidential.