Consensus Conflict Management & Mediation Services, LLC provides comprehensive mediation services, training and professional development in all parts of Tennessee. Our diverse team and network of conflict resolution professionals span a broad range of professional backgrounds and are located throughout the State of Tennessee.
Our Mission is to provide the general public with a better quality of post-divorce life through impartial, professional, highly-effective, timely, and cost-efficient mediation services.
Clay Phillips, our founder and chief mediator, has over 15 years of experience in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), mediation, corporate negotiation and workshop development and training. Clay earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, as well as a Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management) degree from Liberty University – he is presently pursuing a PhD in Organizational Leadership, Conflict Resolution. With more than 20 years of business management experience, Clay has extensive experience and advanced training in dispute resolution and negotiation. He is also an approved course provider for the Tennessee Commission for Continuing Legal Education and Specialization.
In 2008, Phillips founded and continues to operate OPERATION: Conflict Down, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides no-cost, professional conflict resolution services to Veterans of the U.S. Military and Coast Guard. As a devout advocate for Veterans, Phillips also serves as the State Inspector for Disabled American Veterans, Department of Tennessee as well as Veterans’ Representative to the Institutional Review Board for the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System.
Clay also serves The Institute for Conflict Resolution at Bethel University as COO & Chief Subject Matter Expert. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Professor of Mediation and Conflict Resolution at Bethel University.
As a conflict resolution professional, Phillips is a TSC* Rule 31 Listed Family and General Civil Mediator, Specially Trained in Domestic Violence Issues. He believes in the parties’ ability and desire – if provided the opportunity and proper forum – to resolve their disputes without the intervention of the court. Although some matters must be resolved by a court or jury, his experience has proven that most people are fully capable of, and willing to resolve practically any dispute on their own. Clay's diverse educational and professional background makes him well-suited to mediate any Family or Civil matter.
A native of Paris, Tennessee, and an Honorably Discharged Veteran of the United States Navy, Phillips served as a Cryptologist/Linguist in support of the National Security Agency from 1984 to 1990. His claim to fame while in the military is having participated in the 1989 extradition and interrogation of former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega - which ultimately led to his conviction and present incarceration in the U.S.
Robin Barry has been affiliated with Consensus since 2008 as a Family Mediator and Mediator Trainer. Robin is an attorney licensed in Tennessee and Texas, as well as a TSC Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator, Specially Trained in Domestic Violence Issues. She earned her undergraduate degree from David Lipscomb University and her Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University.
Prior to affiliating with Consensus, Robin developed a family law practice in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee Courts over the last nine years, which she continues to operate. Since affiliating with Consensus Robin has mediated several domestic cases varying in depth and complexity. Robin also serves Consensus as a CLE/CME presenter and course material developer.
Robin is also an Adjunct Professor of Mediation and Conflict Resolution at Bethel University.
As a seasoned divorce attorney, Robin understands the risk both parties face in the arduous process of divorce. While Ms. Barry’s experience has proven to her that not all cases are suited for mediation, more times than not mediation can and will provide the parties with the very best opportunity to settle the issues of any domestic dispute.
Randall Bedwell joined Consensus in 2007 as a TSC Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator and specializes in all Real Estate and Mortgage related disputes. Having mediated over 200 cases as Compliance Officer / Broker for a major Realtor franchise in the Middle Tennessee area, Randall’s dynamic approach to resolving complex contract conflicts is an invaluable asset to our firm. Randall earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (cum laude) from Lambuth University, as well as a Master of Arts in History from the University of Mississippi – he is presently pursuing an EdD at Trevecca University.
Randall is also an Adjunct Professor at University of Phoenix, Nashville Campus.
Randall’s diverse and impressive background in Real Estate contract negotiation has honed him into a true subject matter expert in this arena. He is also an adept writer, speaker and consultant on all Real Estate related matters as well as programs designed to “Stop Bullying” in elementary and secondary schools. Randall also serves Consensus as a CLE/CME presenter and course material developer.
Randall Phillips, PhD (Clinical Counsel) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor / MHSP, Director of Research & Associate Professor of Family Studies at Union University and Past President (2006) of the Tennessee Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Most recently, Dr. Phillips was appointed to the State Board for Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists by Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen.
Dr. Phillips’ extensive academic and professional accomplishments provide Consensus with a unique view into the behavioral and relational dynamics that impact mediation. This insight helps to prepare our team to effectively communicate with the parties and to maintain neutrality, safety and fairness in the most challenging and complex disagreements.
Dr. Phillips serves The Institute for Conflict Resolution at Bethel University as President & Chief Academic Officer. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Mediation and Conflict Resolution at Bethel University.
Dr. Phillips also serves Consensus as a CLE/CME presenter and course material developer.
*TSC – Tennessee Supreme Court.