Justice Center of Atlanta: Mediation and Conflict Resolution in the Heart of the City

The Justice Center of Atlanta is a long-standing mediation center that plays a unique role in resolving disputes in and around Atlanta, Georgia. If you live in Atlanta, work here, or are dealing with a dispute involving someone in the metro area, this center may be one of the options you hear about when people talk about avoiding court and using mediation instead.

This guide explains what the Justice Center of Atlanta is, what it does, who it serves, and how someone in Atlanta might practically use its services.

What Is the Justice Center of Atlanta?

The Justice Center of Atlanta is a nonprofit mediation center focused on helping people and organizations resolve disputes outside of the courtroom. Instead of a judge making a decision, the center uses trained mediators who help the parties talk through their conflict and work toward a voluntary agreement.

The center is based in Atlanta and is known primarily for:

• Mediation services for individuals, businesses, and government-related disputes
• Training programs that teach mediation and conflict resolution skills
• Working with courts, agencies, schools, and employers to handle conflicts more efficiently

While many disputes in Atlanta are handled through the Fulton County courts and other local court systems, the Justice Center of Atlanta offers a neutral, private setting where people can try to settle matters without going through a full trial.

Where It Fits in Atlanta’s Legal and Conflict-Resolution Landscape

In Atlanta, you’ll find several ways to resolve legal or interpersonal disputes:

• Traditional court cases (civil and criminal)
• Court-connected mediation programs (often in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, or Gwinnett courts)
• Private mediators and law firms
• Nonprofit and community mediation centers, such as the Justice Center of Atlanta

The Justice Center of Atlanta is generally viewed as:

• Independent and neutral – not a law firm and not a court
• Accessible to a range of users – courts, agencies, businesses, and sometimes individuals
• A place focused on mediation and training, not legal representation

If you are already involved in a court case in Atlanta, a judge, attorney, or court staff member may suggest (or sometimes order) mediation. In some cases, that mediation may be coordinated through or with centers like the Justice Center of Atlanta, depending on the type of case and the arrangements in place.

Types of Disputes the Justice Center of Atlanta May Handle

While exact offerings can change over time, centers like the Justice Center of Atlanta typically work with a wide variety of civil (non-criminal) disputes, including:

Common Civil and Community Disputes

• Landlord–tenant conflicts
  • Disagreements over repairs, deposits, lease conditions, or move-out terms
• Neighbor disputes
  • Noise complaints, property lines, fences, shared driveways, or parking issues
• Consumer and small business conflicts
  • Billing disputes, contract disagreements, service quality concerns

Workplace and Organizational Conflicts

• Workplace disputes
  • Conflicts between employees, supervisors, or teams
• Internal organizational issues
  • Governance, communication, or policy disputes within nonprofits, associations, or agencies

Government-Related and Public Sector Cases

The Justice Center of Atlanta is particularly known for working with government agencies and court systems. That can include:

• Mediation for certain civil court cases
• Disputes involving government employees or public programs
• Conflict resolution services requested by local, state, or federal offices that operate in Atlanta

If you are unsure whether your issue can be mediated, the center or your attorney (if you have one) can typically screen your case to see if mediation is appropriate.

What Mediation Looks Like at the Justice Center of Atlanta

Although each case is different, mediation through the Justice Center of Atlanta generally follows a structured yet flexible process:

1. Referral or Initial Contact

A case may reach the Justice Center of Atlanta in several ways:

• A judge or court in the Atlanta area refers the case to mediation
• An attorney contacts the center to arrange a mediation for their clients
• A public agency or employer contracts with the center to handle disputes
• In some situations, individuals or businesses may reach out directly to find out if mediation is available for their case

You’ll typically provide basic information about:

• Who is involved
• The nature of the dispute
• Whether a court case is already filed
• Time constraints or deadlines (for example, a scheduled hearing date)

2. Scheduling and Logistics

Once the case is accepted:

• A mediator is assigned
• A date, time, and format (in person or sometimes virtual) are chosen
• Participants receive instructions about what to bring and what to expect

If your case is connected to a Fulton County or other metro Atlanta court, the mediation may be timed so that you can report any agreement back to the court promptly.

3. The Mediation Session

During the mediation:

• The mediator explains the process and ground rules
• Each side can share their perspective in a structured way
• The mediator may meet with each party together and separately
• The focus is on finding a mutually acceptable solution, not on determining who is “right” under the law

Key points about mediation at centers like this:

• It is typically confidential (with some exceptions, especially in government-related matters or where the law requires disclosure)
• The mediator is neutral and does not represent either side
• The mediator does not give legal advice

4. Agreement or Next Steps

If the parties reach an agreement:

• The terms are usually written down during or shortly after the session
• In court-connected cases, the agreement may be filed with the court or presented to a judge
• In non-court cases, the agreement can be treated as a contract between the parties

If no agreement is reached:

• The case generally returns to the court (if there is one) or
• The parties can choose to explore other options, such as continued negotiation, legal action, or other dispute resolution methods

Who Uses the Justice Center of Atlanta?

People and groups who may use the Justice Center of Atlanta include:

Atlanta Residents and Families

• Individuals in civil disputes (e.g., landlords, tenants, neighbors, small business owners)
• Parties who prefer a private, less adversarial setting than a public trial
• People encouraged or required by a court to try mediation first

Businesses and Employers in Metro Atlanta

• Small and midsize businesses with contract or partnership conflicts
• Employers addressing workplace disputes, communication breakdowns, or team conflicts
• Organizations interested in training staff in conflict resolution

Government Agencies and Public Institutions

• Local, state, and federal agencies based in or operating out of Atlanta
• Courts looking to reduce backlog by resolving suitable cases through mediation
• Public entities seeking help with complex, multi-party conflicts

Mediation vs. Going to Court in Atlanta

If you are trying to decide whether to use mediation through a center like the Justice Center of Atlanta or go straight to court, it helps to understand the general differences:

Potential advantages of mediation in the Atlanta context:

• 🕒 Often faster than waiting for a full trial date
• 💬 Encourages direct communication and problem-solving
• 🔏 More confidential than a court hearing
• ⚖️ Can be less costly in time, emotional stress, and sometimes fees

Limitations to keep in mind:

• Mediation requires both sides to participate in good faith
• There is no guarantee of a resolution
• You may still need legal advice from an attorney before, during, or after mediation

How to Prepare for Mediation in Atlanta

If your mediation is scheduled with the Justice Center of Atlanta, preparation can make the process smoother:

1. Gather Relevant Documents

Bring (or have digital access to):

• Contracts, leases, or written agreements
• Emails, letters, or messages that show the history of the dispute
• Receipts, invoices, or financial records related to the issue
• Any court paperwork, if a case is already filed

2. Clarify Your Goals

Ask yourself:

• What would a realistic, acceptable outcome look like?
• Are there solutions besides money that would help (e.g., schedule changes, repairs, written commitments)?
• What are your bottom lines and where are you willing to compromise?

3. Consider Talking to an Attorney

The mediator cannot give you legal advice. In the Atlanta area, you may want to:

• Consult a private attorney in the relevant field (landlord–tenant, employment, contracts, etc.)
• Contact legal aid or legal services if you qualify for free or reduced-cost help

An attorney can explain:

• Your legal rights and risks
• How a mediated agreement might affect your case or future options

Training and Education Offered by the Justice Center of Atlanta

Beyond direct mediation, the Justice Center of Atlanta is also known for its mediation training programs, which attract:

• Lawyers and law students
• HR professionals and managers
• Government employees
• Community leaders and nonprofit staff

These programs often cover:

• Basics of mediation and negotiation
• Communication and listening skills
• Handling high-conflict situations
• Ethics and best practices in mediation

If you are in Atlanta and work in a role where conflict comes up often—such as human resources, housing, education, or community services—these types of trainings may be relevant and can help build practical skills to use in your daily work.

When the Justice Center of Atlanta Might Be Right for You

You might consider engaging with the Justice Center of Atlanta if:

• You are involved in a civil conflict in or near Atlanta and want a structured, neutral space to talk it through
• A judge, attorney, or agency has suggested or required mediation in your case
• You work for a business, school, or government agency and are looking for mediation or training resources
• You believe your dispute could be resolved if everyone sat down with a skilled neutral third party

On the other hand, if your situation involves criminal charges, urgent safety concerns, or immediate protection needs, you would typically work through:

• Local law enforcement
• Criminal courts in Fulton or other metro counties
• Protective order processes in the appropriate court

Those processes are separate from the typical civil mediation work of the Justice Center.

Practical Next Steps for Atlantans

If you’re in the Atlanta area and think mediation might help:

1. Clarify your situation

   • Is there already a court case?
   • Is anyone (a judge, employer, landlord, or agency) already suggesting mediation?

2. Gather your information

   • Names and contact details for everyone involved
   • A brief summary of the dispute
   • Any deadlines, court dates, or time pressures

3. Reach out for more details

   • Contact the Justice Center of Atlanta (or ask your attorney or court clerk) to confirm:
     • Whether your type of dispute is handled there
     • How referrals work in your specific case
     • Any costs, scheduling options, or required steps

By understanding how the Justice Center of Atlanta fits into the broader conflict-resolution options in Atlanta, you can make a more informed decision about whether mediation is a good path for your situation and how to move forward efficiently and constructively.