Question:
Is it Halachikly valid to settle a dispute in mediation (גישור) as a first option even before beis din?
I am referring to a religious Jew who is a certified mediator?
Answer:
There is a dispute amongst the Tannaim if a comprimise (פשרה) is permitted, forbidden or a mitzvah. The halachah is that it is a mitzvah to comprimise between the litigents. Therefore it is preferable to settle a dispute via mediation and come to a comprimise as a first option even before beis din.
Sources:
Tosefta Sanhedrin 1:3, CH:M 12:2 &7