design graphic
design graphic
design graphic

South Carolina Civil Mediator

Jon L. Austen |

Circuit Court Certified Mediator

I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jon for over twenty-five years. He is, without qualification, the preeminent mediator in South Carolina. His success rate in resolving my cases exceeds 95%.

online mention from Opposing Counsel

Calendar

View real-time availability & book directly

To reserve a mediation session, select a time from the real-time calendar below. The interactive Appointment Request form will collect contact details and case information. Once submitted, we’ll follow up promptly with confirmation and any required documents.

Email notifications and calendar reminders will keep all participants informed and prepared.

Fee Schedule

Transparent rates & clear policies

Jon’s mediation fees are based on the number of parties participating. Time includes preparation in advance of the session, the mediation itself, and reasonable post-mediation follow-up. This structure helps ensure the time devoted to the matter is clear, predictable, and shared fairly among the parties.

RETENTION OF SERVICES AS A MEDIATOR

Two Parties: $225 per party, per hour
Three or More Parties: $150 per party, per hour

A “party” is defined as all parties represented by the same counsel. Mediation services include time spent at the mediation conference, preparation, phone or in-person conferences, and related reporting assistance.

Additional note for pro se matters: Pre-payment of the applicable 3- or 5-hour minimum may be required. Time not used is refundable. Please check with our office about any pre-billing for opposing counsel.

 

Minimum Fees

Half Day (4 hours or less): 3 hours minimum
Full Day (over 4 hours): 5 hours minimum

 

Cancellation Policy

To avoid the minimum fee, notify our office at least 21 days in advance if a mediation must be cancelled or rescheduled. To maintain neutrality, the minimum is billed equally to all parties, regardless of who cancels or why, even if the case settles or is being rescheduled.

 

Billing & Payment

Invoices are issued after the mediation (post-billing). Unless otherwise agreed, counsel are jointly and severally responsible for timely payment. Payment is due upon receipt and should follow the instructions on the invoice.

 

Virtual & In-Person Options

Mediations are conducted by Zoom or in person upon request. In-person sessions are typically held at: 1629 Meeting Street, Suite A, Charleston, SC 29405. Please coordinate in-person logistics with our office.

Resources

documents & information to support the mediation process

Find helpful tools and information to support a smooth, productive mediation. Download Jon’s Rate Card & CV, review a Sample Engagement Letter, and access a current IRS W-9. These resources are intended to make the process straightforward from start to finish.

Rates & Professional Background

Find John's rates, background, and credentials to help prepare and plan.

Mediation Engagement Overview

An overview of the standard terms and expectations for mediation with Austen Mediation.

Billing & Tax Information

Billing and tax information for file setup & payment to Austen Mediation.

What should I expect during mediation?

Jon’s mediation process is conversational and practical. After brief opening remarks, parties typically move into separate rooms (or breakout sessions on Zoom) to discuss issues privately. Jon meets with each side to explore the facts, assess risk, and exchange settlement perspectives until productive common ground emerges. Most mediations conclude within a single session.

How should I prepare for mediation?

Preparation helps ensure an efficient, productive process. Counsel should confirm that clients and any decision-makers with full authority will attend, either in person or by Zoom. Submitting a concise pre-mediation statement and key materials in advance allows Jon to understand the issues, evaluate potential obstacles, and focus discussion where it will matter most.

Are discussions in mediation confidential?

Yes. Mediation is a confidential process. Statements made during mediation — whether oral or written — are not admissible in court, and Jon does not share information between parties without permission. This confidentiality allows participants to speak candidly and explore settlement options without prejudice.

What happens if the case doesn’t settle the day of mediation?

Jon remains available for limited follow-up after the session, at the same hourly rate. Many matters that do not resolve immediately are later settled through brief post-mediation calls or written exchanges facilitated by Jon.

Does Jon offer pre-mediation or case-evaluation calls?

While not required, Jon welcomes short pre-mediation calls if counsel believe they would be helpful. These can be scheduled through his case manager, typically during weekday mornings between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.

Jon Austen's Experience

30+ Years' litigation & mediation experience across South Carolina

Jon provides mediation services for civil and commercial disputes throughout South Carolina. Backed by more than 30 years of litigation and trial experience, he has mediated over 3,000 cases in state and federal courts, earning a reputation for balance, integrity, and practical judgment.

With more than three decades of experience as both a litigator and mediator, Jon Austen brings seasoned perspective and balance to the mediation process. He has mediated more than 3,000 cases since beginning his ADR practice in 1996, earning a reputation among South Carolina attorneys for fairness, efficiency, and professionalism.

Before establishing his mediation practice, Jon spent many years as a trial attorney handling a wide range of civil matters in state and federal courts. His practical understanding of litigation strategy, combined with a calm, well-prepared approach, helps parties focus on solutions and reach resolution with respect and clarity.

Jon contributes to South Carolina’s ADR community through service on the SC Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission, assisting in arbitrator and mediator certification, and has been recognized by peers with an AV® Preeminent™ Martindale-Hubbell rating.

He is also listed in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers for his work in mediation.

Jon L. Austen

Bar Admissions

  • South Carolina

Professional Affiliations

  • American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) - Associate (2005-present)
  • SC Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission + assisting in arbitrator and mediator certification
  • Attorney assisting the SC Office of Disciplinary Counsel in investigation of attorney complaints
  • National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals - Academy Member (2016-present)

Education

  • J.D., Wake Forest University School of Law (1986)
  • B.A., Political Science, The Ohio State University (1983)

Special Honors

Best Lawyers, Mediation, Charleston, South Carolina - Jon L. Austen Super Lawyers - Mediation - Jon L. Austen Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Member, Austen & Gowder, LLCCharleston, South Carolina
    (December 2016 – 2025)
    Provides full-time mediation and arbitration services, having mediated and arbitrated more than 2,000 cases (now exceeding 3,000). Focuses on civil and commercial disputes, including negligence, insurance, construction, employment, and contract matters.

  • Shareholder, Pratt-Thomas Walker, P.A.Charleston, South Carolina
    (1986 – 2016)
    Practiced for 30 years as a civil litigator, representing clients in state and federal courts across South Carolina. Concentrated primarily in insurance defense and complex civil litigation. Tried numerous cases to verdict early in his career and later shifted his focus toward alternative dispute resolution.

Practice Areas

matters where Jon’s experience is most often called upon

With more than 30 years of litigation and mediation experience, Jon is known for a balanced, results-oriented demeanor. Having mediated thousands of civil disputes across South Carolina’s state and federal courts, he brings practical insight to help parties evaluate risk, navigate impasse, and move matters to resolution. These are the types of cases where his experience is most often

Civil & Tort Litigation

Jon’s practice includes extensive experience mediating personal injury, wrongful death, and premises liability matters, as well as complex negligence and tort claims. His background as a trial attorney helps him assess liability, causation, and damages issues that frequently drive settlement outcomes.

 

Insurance Disputes

Jon is well-versed in coverage disputes, risk transfer, and bad-faith allegations. His civil-defense experience informs a practical understanding of policy interpretation, claims handling, and exposure assessment, allowing parties and carriers to make informed decisions.

 

Employment & Contract Claims

Jon frequently mediates employment disputes (including discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination) and a range of contract and business matters. His even-handed, pragmatic style helps maintain momentum and contain escalation.

 

Government & Institutional Matters

Jon has handled disputes involving municipalities, public entities, and institutional defendants. Familiarity with procedural requirements and statutory frameworks helps him guide parties toward efficient, workable solutions.

Additional Areas of Focus

  • Construction
  • Professional Liability
  • Property Damage