As both an experienced litigatior and AAA-trained mediator, I support this pilot program in Manhattan Supreme Court offering commercial contract disputing parties with claims under $500,000 to mediate their dispute early in the litigation process. ... The succsss rate for mediation is significant: In nine months from May 2017 through January, 145 cases were referred to mediation through the pilot program, according to court data. Of the 99 cases that have completed mediation, 50 were settled.