MEDIATION BRIEF™
ABOUT US
Our Experience
Led by founder and mediator Jose Fiallos,MSOD MEDIATION BRIEF™ brings extensive experience in employment law disputes, employee relations, and workplace conflict resolution. With over two decades of experience supporting organizations in complex and highly regulated environments, we understand both the legal and operational implications of employment-related disputes.
We provide mediation services across a wide range of industries, including restaurant and hospitality, manufacturing, non-profit organizations, technology, automotive, and academia—bringing practical insight and industry awareness to every engagement.
Why Mediation for Employment Law Matters?
- Resolve disputes early and avoid litigation costs
- Maintain confidentiality and reduce disruption to operations
- Retain greater control over outcomes
- Support fair and balanced resolutions
- Protect employee relationships and workplace culture
At MEDIATION BRIEF™, we create a structured and efficient mediation process that allows employers to address employment law matters with confidence, clarity, and control.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Jose A. Fiallos, MSOD
Jose A. Fiallos (LinkedIn profile) is a senior Human Resources and Employee Relations executive with extensive experience advising organizations through the most complex and high-risk aspects of the employment relationship. His work is centered on employee relations strategy, workplace investigations, employment law compliance, and organizational risk mitigation, supporting employers across diverse industries including technology, hospitality, manufacturing, telecommunications, academia, and non-profit organizations.
Throughout his career, Jose has built a reputation for navigating sensitive, high-impact workplace matters, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour disputes, and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) classification issues. He has extensive experience preparing and defending employer responses before key regulatory agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), ensuring that organizational decisions are supported by clear, consistent, and defensible documentation.
His expertise spans the full spectrum of Employee Relations—from complex workplace investigations from executive level to operational manager and conflict resolution to executive advisory on discipline, performance management, and separation decisions. Jose has successfully managed high-volume and multifaceted employee relations matters across all organizational levels, from frontline employees to C-suite executives, bringing a disciplined, fact-based, and defensible approach to each engagement. Known for having a true “seat at the table,” he is a skilled negotiator with deep experience in conflict management, including negotiating collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) in the United States and internationally.
As a certified mediator and practitioner in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Jose specializes in resolving workplace conflict efficiently and strategically—often preventing escalation into litigation. His mediation experience includes both internal workplace disputes and matters involving federal and state agencies, where he represents employers in achieving balanced, practical, and risk-conscious outcomes.
In addition to his Employee Relations expertise, Jose has held senior leadership roles—including Vice President, and Senior Global Director, —where he has led enterprise-wide HR strategy, organizational design, workforce planning, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), technology transformation, and culture change initiatives. He has advised executive teams and boards on aligning people strategies with business objectives while operating within complex and highly regulated environments.
Jose brings significant global experience, having led HR and Employee & Labor Relations initiatives across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe (England, France, Germany, and Austria, and Asia-Pacific (India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore). His international background provides a unique perspective on navigating cross-border employment practices, regulatory frameworks, cultural dynamics, and labor relations environments.
He is certified by leading institutions to administer advanced leadership and organizational development tools, including Korn Ferry, the Center for Creative Leadership, and Prosci change management methodologies. Jose also brings extensive executive coaching expertise, including Positive Psychology and Adaptive Coaching methodologies, enabling him to connect with senior leaders and executives at a highly strategic and practical level.
Jose is a published author and thought leader in Employee Relations and the future of work. He is the author of Backstabbing 101: A Survival Guide, a strategic playbook for navigating workplace dynamics and mitigating toxic behaviors. He also authored Termination Concurrence™, a comprehensive framework designed to help HR professionals, business owners, and people managers navigate complex employee relations challenges—including performance issues, workplace conflict, harassment claims, and other high-risk employment matters.
From this framework, Jose developed the Certified Employee Relations Professional™ (CERP™) program, designed to build internal capability and strengthen decision-making across the employment lifecycle. In addition, he has designed multiple advanced certification programs aligned with professional development and compliance, including:
- Certified Workplace Mediator™ (CWM™) — focused on practical workplace mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Certified Workplace Audit & Compliance Professional™ (CWACP™) — a structured framework for auditing HR systems, policies, and practices to identify risk and strengthen compliance
These programs are designed to enhance the capabilities of HR professionals, operational leaders, and organizations, while helping mitigate employment and labor law risk in increasingly complex workplace environments.
Jose has also published articles on the future of the workforce, employment practices, PAGA, and wage & hour laws, further contributing to the evolution of modern HR strategy.
He holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Development from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Johnson & Wales University. He is fluent in Spanish and holds multiple professional certifications from leading organizational development organizations including, Korn Ferry, the Center for Creative Leaders and Prosci in change management, compensation, organizational development, executive assessment, and mediation.
Jose’s approach is grounded in one principle: every employment decision should be deliberate, well-documented, and defensible—aligned with both organizational objectives and the expectations of regulatory agencies.
“The decision to end the employment relationship is the most litigated decision an employer can make.”
– Author Unknown
OUR ECOSYSTEM
MEDIATION BRIEF™ is owned and operated by Organizational Strategy, LLC. and is part of an integrated portfolio of specialized HR and professional services brands.
Through Mediation Brief™, we help employers manage conflict within their organizations by providing workplace mediation services designed to resolve issues before they escalate. We support employers in both business and employment-related disputes, including representation in mediations involving local, state, and federal agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Department of Labor, and the California Civil Rights Department. Our services also include workplace conflict resolution, employment law disputes, and broader business mediation support.
Our core advisory platform, Position Statement™, is a professional services firm dedicated to helping employers navigate the complexities of human resources, employee relations, compliance, and employment and labor laws that govern the employment relationship. Through Position Statement™, we deliver strategic advisory services, workplace investigations, and risk mitigation support. We also provide certification programs for HR professionals and people managers, including our HRCI-accredited CERP™ (Certified Employee Relations Professional™), Certified Workplace Mediator programs, and leadership and HR-focused development training.
We are happy to announce that Position Statement™ is an approved Recertification Provider with the HR Certification Institute. Both the Certified Employee Relations Professional™ (CERP™) and Certified Workplace Mediator™ (CWM™) programs have been approved for HRCI recertification credit, and HRCI credits are awarded upon successful program completion.
The Certified Employee Relations Professional™ (CERP™) and Certified Workplace Mediator™ (CWM™) designations are professional certifications built on real-world workplace experience—not theory alone. Designed for HR leaders, employee relations professionals, operations leaders, managers, and workplace practitioners, the programs focus on practical application, professional judgment, conflict resolution, workplace investigations, mediation strategy, documentation, compliance, leadership alignment, and organizational risk management within complex work environments.
Together, the programs equip participants with structured frameworks and practical tools to manage employee relations matters, facilitate difficult workplace conversations, conduct mediation sessions, de-escalate conflict, navigate investigations, and support defensible workplace decision-making with professionalism, consistency, and sound judgment.
The programs are designed for flexibility and real-world application across a broad range of workplace environments and organizational structures, including corporate, operational, unionized, nonprofit, startup, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and professional service organizations where employee relations, workplace conflict management, compliance, and organizational effectiveness are critical to business success.
% of employment claims are resolved before litigation through mediation
Employment litigation can cost employers up to $250,000 per claim
Conflict can reduce productivity by up to 30% & increase turnover by over 20%
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to methods such as mediation that allow organizations to resolve disputes outside of the courtroom. ADR is faster, more cost-effective, and confidential—giving employers greater control over the outcome while minimizing legal exposure.
At MEDIATION BRIEF™, we deliver innovative ADR solutions tailored to workplace and business disputes, helping organizations resolve issues early and maintain focus on their operations.
Employment Law Mediation
Employment law mediation provides a structured, confidential process to resolve disputes involving employees and employers before they escalate into formal claims or litigation. Whether addressing allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour issues, or wrongful termination, mediation allows both parties to reach a practical resolution quickly and cost-effectively.
At MEDIATION BRIEF™, we guide employers through these sensitive matters with a balanced, experienced approach—helping protect the organization while working toward fair and sustainable outcomes.
Workplace Disputes
Workplace disputes can disrupt operations, damage morale, and increase organizational risk if not addressed promptly. Mediation provides a proactive solution for resolving conflicts between employees, managers, or teams—before issues escalate into formal complaints or legal action.
At MEDIATION BRIEF™, we help organizations restore communication, address underlying concerns, and rebuild working relationships—creating outcomes that support both the business and its people.
Local, State & Federal Agency Mediation & Representation
Navigating claims filed with government agencies can be complex, time-consuming, and high-risk for employers. Mediation offers a strategic opportunity to resolve disputes early—before they escalate into prolonged investigations, litigation, or significant financial exposure.
At MEDIATION BRIEF™, we support employers by providing experienced representation in mediations involving local, state, and federal agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Department of Labor, and the California Civil Rights Department, as well as local jurisdictions with independent employment ordinances such as Berkeley, West Hollywood, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Santa Monica.
Our approach is focused on preparation, strategy, and effective advocacy—helping employers present their position clearly, manage risk, and pursue practical, cost-effective resolutions. With deep experience in employee relations, compliance, and dispute resolution, we guide organizations through the mediation process with confidence, ensuring that outcomes are aligned with both legal considerations and business objectives.
Transforming Disputes Into Solutions: Our Commitment to Effective Mediation
At MEDIATION BRIEF™, we are committed to delivering meaningful, practical solutions to workplace and business disputes. Led by founder and mediator, Jose Fiallos, MDR, our practice focuses on strategic, creative, and results-driven approaches to conflict resolution.
We emphasize personalized engagement and effective communication to help parties find common ground and reach sustainable resolutions. With deep experience in mediation, employment dispute resolution, and early neutral evaluation, Jose Fiallos is recognized for his objective, knowledgeable, and balanced approach.
Our goal is to resolve complex disputes efficiently, confidentially, and with minimal disruption—supporting both individuals and organizations in achieving fair, structured, and lasting outcomes.
“The decision to end the employment relationship is the most litigated decision an employer can make.” - Author Unknown
Dispute Resolution
Dispute resolution encompasses a range of strategies designed to resolve conflicts efficiently without the need for litigation. Through structured dialogue, facilitated negotiation, and practical problem-solving, organizations can address issues early—reducing cost, disruption, and risk.
Our approach focuses on clarity, efficiency, and results, ensuring that disputes are handled professionally and resolved in a manner that supports business continuity.
Business Law Mediation
Business law mediation offers an effective way to resolve disputes between business partners, vendors, or other commercial parties without the time and expense of litigation. Whether addressing contract disputes, partnership disagreements, or operational conflicts, mediation provides a structured path to resolution.
Our process helps organizations protect relationships, preserve business interests, and achieve timely, practical outcomes that align with their strategic goals.
Enterprise Conflict Mediation™
When conflict exists between teams, departments, or leadership groups, the impact extends far beyond interpersonal dynamics—it disrupts performance, slows decision-making, and creates risk across the organization. Left unresolved, these issues often lead to disengagement, operational inefficiencies, and long-term cultural breakdown.
Enterprise Conflict Mediation™ is a structured, mediation-based intervention designed to resolve systemic conflict within organizations. Unlike traditional training or team-building initiatives, this service focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of conflict through facilitated dialogue, assessment, and targeted intervention.
At MEDIATION BRIEF™, we partner with executive leadership to assess the underlying drivers of conflict across teams and functions. Our approach may incorporate tools such as value stream mapping, behavioral and leadership assessments, change management methodologies, and 360-degree feedback to identify patterns, misalignment, and breakdowns in communication or process.
We then facilitate structured mediation sessions to help leaders and teams align, rebuild trust, and establish clear, sustainable ways of working together. Where appropriate, we collaborate with subject matter experts in organizational behavior to support deeper insight and long-term resolution.
The result is not a temporary fix, but a practical and lasting resolution—strengthening collaboration, improving leadership alignment, and restoring operational effectiveness across the enterprise.
When to Consider Enterprise Conflict Mediation™
- Ongoing tension between departments or business units that is impacting collaboration or results
- Leadership misalignment that is slowing execution or creating confusion across teams
- Repeated breakdowns in communication or decision-making affecting productivity and morale
- High-performing teams that are not working effectively together, limiting overall business performance
- Escalating conflict unresolved through traditional HR or management approaches
MEDIATION BRIEF™
C-Suite Level Conflict Mediation
Conflict at the executive level carries a different level of risk. When C-suite leaders are misaligned, the impact extends across the entire organization—affecting decision-making, strategy execution, culture, and overall business performance.
This is not coaching, not HR, and not training. It is a confidential, structured intervention designed to resolve conflict between senior leaders quickly, discreetly, and effectively—so the organization can move forward.
At MEDIATION BRIEF™, we act as a neutral third party to facilitate direct, productive dialogue between executives, identify the root causes of conflict, and restore alignment where it matters most. Our approach is focused on resolution—not prolonged discussion—helping leadership teams move past friction and back to execution.
When leadership is aligned, organizations perform. When conflict persists, progress stalls. The difference is how quickly and effectively the issue is addressed.