Words of wisdom from a highly-experienced mediator:

 

The [employees] believe they have been mistreated by their employers, and the employers almost always deny the factual allegations. Consequently, employment mediations tend to be emotionally charged. At the same time, the cases usually involve a complex body of statutory and case law. This requires a mediator who can empathize with the employee and employer, make them feel comfortable and engender trust. At the same time, however, the mediator must understand the applicable law and be able to discuss how it applies to the facts of the case.

 

http://www.mediate.com/articles/GrubmanJbl20140905.cfm