THE MEDIATION RULES OF CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION ASSOCIATION (CIDRA) ARTICLE 15 - AUTHORITY OF THE MEDIATOR 1) The mediator does not have the authority to impose a settlement on the parties but will seek to assist them in reaching a satisfactory resolution of the dispute. The mediator is authorized to conduct joint and separate meetings with the parties and to make oral and written recommendations for settlement. When ever necessary, the mediator may also obtain expert advice concerning technical aspects of the dispute, provided that the parties agree and bear the costs of obtaining such advice. Arrangements for obtaining such expert advice shall be made by the mediator or the parties, as the mediator shall determine. 2) The mediator is authorized to terminate the mediation whenever, in the judgment of the mediator, further efforts at mediation would not contribute to a resolution of the dispute between the parties. (See Article 24).