ranging from Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Mediation Training, and Professional Coaching. Much of our services may involve conflict and I've always believed that when in the conflict hole, stop digging. It sounds simple but if it was, conflict would not be so prevalent in our society. Here at DMA, when you are six feet deep and wondering what to do, we want to help! We  take an interest in those who want to learn how to help others. To do this we offer a number of training services including our very popular mediation training and personal coaching.

When looking for training and services, call us.

About Decision Management Associates

Decision Management Associates was co-founded in 1990 by the husband and wife team Bob and Virginia Berlin. With over 50 years of education and 40 years of law experience between them they opened the first mediation firm in the state as well as training services and coaching. Since that time, DMA has trained and provided services all over the nation.

Testimonials from our clients and students:

"We are very Pleased with the results and look forward to working with you again on our next impossible to settle case."

"From Mr. Berlin I learned that if I listen to understand, I will be better equipped to identify my client's interest, desires, and expectations. If I merely listen to reply, I will miss much key information from my client. I should not label or pass judgment if I want to keep the lines of communication open."

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide effective, efficient, confidential, conflict resolution processes in a non-threatening environment, to empower decision makers to creatively address issues and generate solutions to achieve a resolution, and to provide services through a network of experienced, certified ADR professionals who are committed to providing an impartial environment where the parties can discuss their issues with the goal of coming to a consensus.

About Bob

Robert A. Berlin, J.D. An advance practitioner of mediation and mediation trainers, Bob Berlin, president of Decision Management Associates, Inc. has primary responsibility for Mediation, Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Services.  Bob has experience in handling ADR cases numbering in excess of three thousand civil and family law mediations since 1968.  As a registered arbitrator, mediator and neutral evaluator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution, he has handled a broad spectrum of cases in numerous courts throughout the state.  He draws from an eclectic professional background in law, marriage and family therapy, communications, and teaching.  In addition to his present involvements, he is doing Continuing Education Trainings and Coaching of Neutrals (having been trained by Coach University in the Core Essentials of Coaching).

Bob is a graduate of the Walter F. George School of Law, Mercer University, receiving the L.L.B. (J.D.) in 1963 and was a senior partner in the law firm of Berlin and Hodges, P.C. for 39 years.  He served as a Municipal Court Judge for twenty-five years and has served as a pro hac Judge in three other courts.  Bob served in the State House of Representatives, Middle Georgia District 86, 1973-1974. He has been appointed to numerous state commissions by sitting governors.

Bob received training in Negotiation Skills and Techniques (basic and advanced) at Harvard University Law School and Mediation at the University of Miami and the Atlanta Justice Center.  He also received training in Domestic Relations Mediation in California and Multi-Door ADR training at the Georgia State University School of Law. Bob is an Advanced Practitioner of Mediation, the highest level of membership, in the Association for Conflict Resolution. This designation is afforded only to a very limited number of practitioners who possess significant experience and unique qualities.

Bob was a paneled member of the American Arbitration Association, serving as an arbitrator for thirty years, and is presently a chief arbitrator for Fulton County (Atlanta).  He also chaired a committee for the ADR Section of the State Bar of Georgia. Bob is also on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Association of Mediators.

Bob practiced as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Georgia and holds a Clinical Membership in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. 

Bob is a former insurance adjuster for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and also worked as an independent claims adjuster.  He has taught insurance law and ADR throughout the years as an adjunct faculty member at John Marshal Law School.

Bob taught courses for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) of the State Bar of Georgia and currently delivers Mediation Training.  Training programs and presentations on ADR and Mediation were delivered to the Insurance Section of the Georgia Bar Association, the Macon Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association Annual Conference, the Middle Georgia Better Business Bureau, the Claims Adjusters Conference of the Georgia Farm Bureau, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and Allstate Insurance Company. 

Bob has served as a professor at Macon State College and Georgia Military College. He is currently an adjunct professor at Middle Georgia College and Central Georgia Technical College He is an approved Mediator for the United States Postal Services, EEOC and the FBI.  He is also a national presenter at annual conferences related to ADR.

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