Mediation How-To for Trial Lawyers

The June issue of Trial, a publication of the American Association for Justice, contains a helpful ?How-To? article for trial lawyers on the mediation of commercial disputes. Stewart I. Edelstein wrote the lengthy ?Hot-To? article, which discusses such topics as choosing the right mediator, preparing to mediate, selecting which strategies to utilize, getting past impasse and finalizing the mediation. The tips are summarized quickly for you below.

Choosing a Mediator Mr. Edelstein writes that you should chose a mediator ??who is impartial and has a strong track record for effective problem-solving, excellent negotiating skills, patience, trustworthiness, a keen business sense, and a good sense of humor.? However, sometimes a general mediator won?t get the job done. You may need to choose a mediator who focuses on a particular area, such as construction or patents.

Preparing to Mediate Failing to prepare is one of the biggest mistakes lawyers make in connection with mediation. Mr. Edelstein suggests many tips, including: - Decide on an initial demand - Discuss creative solutions with client before mediation - Provide a complete pre-mediation statement - Discuss proper mediation demeanor with client - Work out an agreement for the terms of the mediation

Selecting Strategies Make sure the strategies you select are the ones that will achieve the final results that the client seeks. Carefully consider the opening position. It is an important opportunity to convey to your opponent that you are a formidable adversary prepared to litigate the case to conclusion, if necessary. Nevertheless, recognize the benefits to both parties of resolving the case sensibly through this mediation. Finally, be patient, open-minded and involved.

Getting Past Impasse This can easily be achieved by a good mediator with effective strategies. Mr. Edelstein includes many ?impasse breakers? such as: - Refocus on the importance of the ongoing relationship - Emphasize mutual benefits of resolving the dispute without publicity - Review risks and costs - Consider non-monetary settlement components - Consider a ?double-blind? proposal - Take a recess - Transform the process from mediation to arbitration

Finality is Key When the mediation is final, and if it is successful, Mr. Edelstein strongly recommends getting the terms of the agreement in writing before mediation concludes. Consider having a computer and printer available to draft the terms of the final agreement so it can be signed on the spot.

Preparation, however, is Mr. Edelstein?s biggest concern. It can be the difference between success and failure. An effective mediation can save time, money and relationships.

The National Arbitration Forum offers mediation services in all 50 states. Please see their Mediation Solution page for more information.

http://www.mediation-solution.com http://www.arb-forum.com


Articles about Lawyers
Related Articles:

David H. Perecman Chosen Among Top 5 Percent of Attorneys in the United States
Mr. Perecman has won numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in various personal injury cases, including construction accident injuries and hospital deaths and medical errors

Venters Saves £3,000 per Lawyer in 12 Months Via BigHand Digital Dictation
BigHand has today announced that the London and Surrey based legal aid firm Venters Solicitors, has reported cost savings totaling £50,000 in only 12 months after installing the BigHand Digital Dictation workflow system. The savings equate to over £3,000 per fee-earner, per year, at the firm.

Going About Child Custody In Tennessee And Getting Yourself A Lawyer
There are important things you need to remember if ever you find yourself in need of a child custody lawyer if you are in Tennessee. These things will prove to be very vital in your case if you are after the welfare and happiness of your children.

Fresno Family Law Attorney to Speak on Collaborative Divorce at the February Fresno Women's Network Luncheon
Family law attorney, Erin Rhames-Childs, will be giving a short presentation on Collaborative Divorce during the February 12th Fresno Women's Network monthly luncheon. Erin invites you to attend so that you can gain useful information for yourself, your friends, family or anyone who needs those services for that matter.

Detroit Attorney and Paralegal Speak on Criminal Law
Attorney Jermaine A. Wyrick and his paralegal, Loretta Wyrick spoke on Criminal Law for the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Associaiton.

Recent New Jersey Case Concerning Knock and Announce Rule Discussed by Criminal Law Attorney Maurice Giro
Maurice Giro, a private attorney who also serves as a Municipal Public Defender and a Pool Attorney for the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, discusses a recent case brought before the New Jersey Appellate Division. Giro discusses the ruling?s impact on the ?knock and announce? rule in New Jersey.

Valuable Representation of a California Accident Lawyer
California is popularly known as the sunshine state. It is also widely known because of its vineyards, beaches, and other famous tourist destinations and attractions. Indeed, this state is a haven for tourists.

Ceelox, Data Encryption Software Provider, and the Ashcroft Group Announce Alliance Agreement: Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft to Join Ce
Ceelox, a leader in biometric and encryption software solutions, and The Ashcroft Group, a strategic consulting company for domestic and international corporations led by John Ashcroft, former U.S. Attorney General, today announced a strategic alliance. Under the terms of the agreement, Ceelox and The Ashcroft Group will collaborate on data security-related issues and defining appropriate biometric encryption software measures for the companies' clients and customers. Additionally, The Ashcroft Group has acquired an equity position in Ceelox, and former Attorney General John Ashcroft has joined the company's advisory board. Terms of the equity transaction were not disclosed.

Lotronex Lawyer: Lotronex Side Effects Lawsuit
Even in clinical trials, Lotronex displayed a tendency towards causing ischemic colitis in patients. From the February in which Lotronex was approved until June, the FDA received seven reports of serious complications of constipation leading to hospitalization.

Lawyers With 2 Hands And Everything Else
I heard this back a few years ago. The boss yelled, "Get me a good lawyer but not the one with two hands!""Huh?" secretary was puzzled.

Saddam Lawyer Giovanni Di Stefano in Challenge to British Home Secretary
Saddam lawyer Giovanni Di Stefano challenges the British Home Secretary's right to introduce new legislation to Parliament to confiscate the assets of those charged with crimes before conviction. Di Stefano states such is contrary to the English Bill of Rights 1689 and warns the Home Secretary that she may be breaking the law.

Seattle Personal Injury Lawyer Files Lawsuit in Tractor Trailer Accident Case
Seattle personal injury lawyers Charles Paglialunga and James Harris have filed a lawsuit on behalf of three men injured in a truck accident with an eighteen wheeler tractor trailer. The personal injury lawsuit alleges that the three men were injured in the accident when the semi truck negligently ran them off the road. The three injured men sustained serious personal injuries as a result of the truck accident.

Choosing A Good Divorce Attorney Can Be Difficult
Going through a divorce is a devastating thing for most people. It is one of the worst times in anyone?s life. It is an emotional time, not knowing what your financial status will be until it is over. Whether you want to or not, it is critical that you find an excellent divorce attorney. Your financial stability depends on it. However it is not always as easy as it sounds. You need to find the best there is, and often it will take some research in order to find someone who will represent your best interests.

The Important Role of CA Litigation Attorneys in Business Lawsuits
As a result of the enormous number of companies operating in California, the increase of cases file in court is not that surprising. Businesses engage in court litigation to contest their side on certain issues in order to protect their companies? interests and prevent losses and damages.

Finding Virginia's Best Workers Compensation Lawyer
Virginia Workers' Compensation Law is a specialty field. You would not choose a general practitioner for brain surgery so why would you choose a general practitioner for your workers compensation claim? You just cannot assume every attorney knows the ins and outs of Workers' Compensation Law.


Privacy Policy | Copyright/Trademark Notification