Consensus Conflict Management & Mediation Services, LLC is the first and only Rule 31 Listed mediation firm in the state of Tennessee composed entirely of non-attorney mediators. While attorneys play an important part in, and contribute greatly to the mediation process, it is our view that our staff of non-attorney mediators brings a fresh and new perspective that greatly facilitates creative and open-minded mediation.
Our Mission "is to provide the general public with a better quality of post-divorce life through impartial, professional, timely, cost-efficient and empathetic mediation services."
Clay Phillips, our founder and chief mediator, has over 15 years 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. With an excess of 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.
As a *TSC ADRC Rule 31 Listed Family and General Civil Mediator, Clay believes in the parties’ ability and desire 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.
Clay is a native of Paris, Tennessee, an Honorably Discharged Veteran of the United States Navy, Operation Desert Storm and several years of service to the National Security Agency. His claim to fame is having directly 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.
Randall Bedwell joined Consensus Mediation Services, LLC in 2007 as a Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator and specializes in all Real Estate 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.
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 Mediation Services, LLC as a CLE presenter and course material developer.
Jeff Fajgenbaum holds a Master's Certification in Project Management from Stevens Institute of Technology. He has more than 20 years experience as a professional Program and Project Manager, overseeing complex information technology and telecommunications projects worldwide. This experience has made Jeff an astute observer, critical thinker, and neutral mediator who seeks satisfactory outcomes for all parties involved.
Although not listed under TSC Rule 31, Jeff completed Tennessee’s entire educational and training requirements for General Civil mediation in 2003. Since that time, Jeff has negotiated and mediated a broad variety of civil contract disputes across many professional sector lines. His rich experience in professional athlete and entertainer contract negotiations makes Jeff an exceptional and highly sought after neutral and mediator.
Randall Phillips, Ph.D. (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 Conflict Management & Mediation Services, LLC with a unique view into the very real side of our mediation participants from a behavioral standpoint. This insight helps to prepare our team to empathize with the parties and to maintain neutrality, safety and fairness in the most challenging and complex disagreements.
Dr. Phillips also serves Consensus Conflict Management & Mediation Services, LLC as a CLE presenter and course material developer.
*TSC ADRC – Tennessee Supreme Court, Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission.
