From time to time I post “plain English” articles for clients and lawyers to help lawyers explain the mediation process to their clients, for example, how mediation differs from arbitration, what to expect in a mediation session and confidentiality, as well as tips for lawyers, for example, how to prepare a client for a mediation and tools for breaking an impasse.
Links to one-page pdf copies are included at the end of each article for lawyers to give to clients as part of the mediation orientation process or to keep for lawyers’ own reference.
Please feel free to leave your suggestions for improvements in the “Remarks” space at the end of each article.
Thanks!
Mediation Works
Even the simplest business disputes cost tens of thousands of dollars to litigate and easily can shoot into the six-figures. Worse, cases can take years to get to trial. [...]
What a Mediator Brings to the Table
You’re smart. Your lawyer’s smart. He or she has probably told you what a good result would be for your case. So why haven’t you been able to settle [...]
Confidentiality Counts
Mediation works because everything said or done in mediation is confidential. Confidentiality provides a “safe” environment for the parties to speak frankly and openly with a mediator, and even each [...]
Preparing the Client for Mediation
Successful mediation requires substantial client counseling in advance. A client not fully and objectively knowledgeable about the case [...]
Mediation Steps that Work
You’ve agreed to mediate, but quite frankly you aren’t too optimistic. The last settlement offers weren’t [...]