Mediation is a way to try to resolve a problem by having a neutral party help you come to an agreement with the business. There are several services and resources available to DC residents. Make sure you will still be able to go to court if the mediation does not work out.

• District of Columbia Superior Court
• Call for Action
• Better Business Bureau
• Law School Clinics

District of Columbia Superior Court: The District court system provides free help before you file a lawsuit, including mediation, conciliation and referrals.

Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Program
District of Columbia Superior Court
500 Indiana Avenue, NW, Room 1235
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 879-1549
http://www.dcbar.org/dcsc/resolution.html

Call for Action: This nonprofit organization provides free mediation to consumers with problems with businesses or government agencies. They also work with local media outlets to publicize consumer information at http://www.callforaction.org.

Call for Action, DC Local Office
WTOP AM & FM
5272 River Road, Suite 300
Bethesda, MD 20816
(301) 652-4357
Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 1 pm
http://www.callforaction.org

Better Business Bureau: This service provided, by the local business community, offers mediation and arbitration for a fee.

Better Business Bureau
1411 K Street, NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 393-8000; Fax: (202) 393-1198
Email: info@dc.bbb.org
http://www.mybbb.org/mybbb.html

Law School Clinics: Free clinic services are offered to low-income DC residents. Cases are accepted mostly in early September and January.