Decades of Legal Depth, Focused on Resolution
Gary D. McCallister is an attorney and mediator with a practice spanning more than five decades. His legal foundation in Political Science from Kansas State University (1972) and a Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law (1975) is complemented by formal mediation skills training at Northwestern University, one of the country’s premier programs in dispute resolution.
His approach to mediation is grounded in deep familiarity with complex litigation. Having practiced extensively as both plaintiff and defense counsel in Kansas, Illinois, Colorado and nationally. McCallister understands the pressures, timelines, and objectives that drive parties to the table. That dual perspective is a meaningful asset in the mediation room.
McCallister is a Court approved mediator by the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas and the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Law Division. His practice covers seven Kansas judicial districts, including Johnson, Wyandotte, Douglas, Shawnee, Riley, Saline, and Sedgwick counties, and Chicago, Illinois, including Cook and other collar counties.
This law firm couldn't take my case to due to certain circumstances, but they absolutely took my case in the sense of advisement, continual communication, research, and emotional support! That speaks volumes of a law firm. How many are willing to invest time and effort with no expectation of anything in return? I cannot thank them enough!
Right to the point blunt and honest
Formally Trained. Rigorously Credentialed
McCallister’s mediation practice combines formal Northwestern University training with over five decades of active litigation experience.
Complex cases stall during settlement negotiations for predictable reasons: misaligned expectations,incomplete risk evaluation, unclear settlement authority, and negotiation fatigue. Gary’s mediation process is built to address those issues early and keep the day focused on resolution. Parties choose Gary D. McCallister because:
• Preparation that pays off: Pre-mediation structure that reduces surprises and maximizes productive negotiation time.
• Decision-maker focused: Keeps the mediation centered on what stakeholders need to evaluate risk and approve terms.
• Efficient movement: Manages the negotiation in a disciplined way to keep the parties communicating and maintain momentum.
• Practical resolution planning: Helps parties translate positions into workable settlement terms (‘wants” and desires”) that can be implemented.
Gary McCallister’s Mediation Process
Initial Consultation
Contact McCallister by phone or email to discuss the nature of the dispute, the parties involved, and whether mediation is an appropriate path forward.
Pre-Mediation Preparation
Each party submits a confidential mediation statement. McCallister reviews all materials thoroughly to understand each side’s perspective, core priorities, and status of settlement negotiations (offers and counter-off) before the session.
Mediation Session
Joint and private (caucus) sessions are used as appropriate. McCallister facilitates structured dialogue focused on interests – not just positions – to identify realistic settlement pathways.
Agreement & Resolution
When parties reach resolution, terms are memorialized in a written agreement.
Post-mediation follow-up is available when continued engagement can help bring a matter to closure.