To mediate or not to mediate

I got a phone call yesterday from a prospective client who is trying to recoup a relatively small amount of money from another party. After listening to his story, I asked him to consider whether or not it was actually worth it for him to pursue the claim. If he went to court, filing fees would quickly pile up, and if he decided to mediate, my hourly rate would quickly overshadow the original amount under dispute.

As a mediator, it's important to behave ethically when discussing options with prospective clients. While I love to mediate, I have to ensure that it's the best possible path for my clients to take. We'll see what this client decides to do, but I feel like I've fulfilled my ethical duty in this regard.