Chris Daniels
South Carolina Circuit Court Mediator
Based in COLUMBIA | Serving all of THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Calendar
Schedule A Mediation With Ease
Choose a convenient time slot from the real-time calendar below to schedule a mediation session. Follow the prompts to submit case particulars and contact details. Upon submission, the time slot will be held for you. We will then promptly confirm the booking and provide more information.
Notifications are also set in place to ensure participants are adequately informed of the scheduled mediation.

Fee Schedule
Rates & Cancelation Policy
Dedicated to providing professional and cost-effective mediation services, a transparent fee structure ensures fair and impartial treatment for all parties. Clearly defined rates and policies are designed to accommodate various case complexities. Mediation services are available both in-person and via Zoom, offering flexible scheduling and comprehensive support to facilitate efficient dispute resolution.
Mediation Fee Schedule:
- $395 per hour
- Mediations with four or more parties: $125 per party, per hour
Minimum Fees:
- Minimum fee: Three (3) hours for all mediations
- No administrative, scheduling, or rescheduling fees
Fees are calculated for all time spent, including pre-mediation preparation and post-mediation follow-up.
Cancelation Policy
There is no formal cancellation fee in place. However, advanced notice of cancellation or rescheduling is appreciated—preferably 7 to 10 days. This ensures sufficient time to manage the schedule effectively and accommodate other clients.
Other Billing Matters
Billing Responsibility
- Fees are calculated based on the hourly rates provided
- Following the mediation, each party will be billed for their portion of the fees, unless agreed otherwise
- Joint and several liability: Counsel and their clients are considered jointly responsible for the fees
Payment Terms
- Invoices are due upon receipt
- Payments should be made following the instructions provided on the invoice
Pre-Mediation Preparation
- Time spent on pre-mediation preparation is billable at the applicable hourly rate
- Parties may submit summaries or other documents for review before the mediation via email to both Chris and his case manager, Rachel Kaisler
Resources
Helpful Guidelines & Downloads
The resource hub contains easy access to essential documents to enhance your mediation experience with Daniels Mediation. Please download Chris’s Rate Card & CV for future reference. Also find guidance on preparing for virtual mediation sessions via Zoom, which will make the process seamless and efficient. Additionally, explore a comprehensive Rules for Mediation, providing clarity and structure to the mediation journey.
DOWNLOAD RATE CARD & CURRICULUM VITAE
DOWNLOAD VIRTUAL MEDIATION HELPFUL HINTS
MEDIATION GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS
Meet Christopher J. Daniels, Esq.
Bridging 39 Years of Litigation Expertise with Mediation Solutions
After 39 years as a trial attorney, I now focus on what I find most rewarding—helping parties resolve their disputes fairly and efficiently through alternative dispute resolution. I began mediating more than five years ago and have since worked on hundreds of cases, bringing the depth of my legal experience and a commitment to resolution to every matter I handle.
Before focusing on my role as a mediator, my law practice covered a wide range of civil litigation, including personal injury, business disputes, transportation law, product liability, premises liability, and insurance defense. I served as national counsel for major manufacturers, represented leading retailers, and handled numerous complex, high-stakes cases. Along the way, I’ve been honored to be recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for more than 20 consecutive years.
Today, I apply that broad experience to help clients reach resolution in personal injury cases, business disputes, product liability, premises liability, professional negligence, and transportation matters. My approach to mediation is straightforward: be prepared, listen carefully, and treat everyone with respect and empathy. Every dispute matters to the people involved, and it’s essential to empower clients to make decisions about their own outcomes. I find that patience, persistence, and sometimes a little sense of humor can go a long way in helping people find common ground.
I’m deeply committed to the mediation process and follow up with parties after mediation when needed, ensuring that every case has the best chance for resolution. For me, mediation is about creating a space where clients feel heard, respected, and confident that their concerns are being addressed.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue this work through Daniels Mediation and to serve as a trusted resource for attorneys and clients alike.

Admissions
- South Carolina Bar
- U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
PEER Recognitions
- The Best Lawyers in America®: Recognized annually from 2003 through 2025 for his work in Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
- Lawyer of the Year: Honored in 2017 for Product Liability Litigation – Defendants in Columbia, South Carolina
Professional Memberships
- Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, Defense Research Institute
- Richland County Bar Association:
- President (2000)
- Executive Committee Member (1996–2001)
- Member, South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in History: Davidson College, 1982
- Juris Doctor: University of South Carolina School of Law, 1985
- Participated in Moot Court
- Inducted into the Order of Barristers
HONORS & Awards
South Carolina Supreme Court Pro Bono Honor Roll: Included in 2020 & 2021 for pro bono contributions
Articles
A Mediator’s Thoughts, The Justice bulletin (Winter 2021), South Carolina Association for Justice
Focused Mediation Practice Areas
Agricultural
Automotive
Aviation
Breach of Contract
Commercial/Business
Construction
Consumer Fraud
Contract Disputes
Industrial
Insurance
Landlord/Tenant
Legal Malpractice
Lemon Law
Libel & Slander
Medical Devices
Medical Malpractice
Nursing Homes
Partnerships
Personal Injury
Premises Liability
Product Liability
Professional Liability
Professional Malpractice
Professional Negligence
Property Damage
Railroad & Trucking
Torts
Transportation
Wrongful Death