In another post, I discussed forces that impact our judgment in valuing cases. Today I want to discuss forces that negatively affect our ability to negotiate cases; forces which, It’s important to note, generally influence us subconsciously. Parties aren’t even aware they’re at play. My role as mediator is to anticipate any such influences, and … Read More
Negotiations are never conducted in a vacuum. There are a myriad of forces impacting and influencing a party’s willingness and ability to negotiate and settle disputes. Part of our job as attorneys and mediators is to identify those forces, then determine if we can counter them and use them to our advantage. As a teacher … Read More
For most of us, apologies don’t come easy. Personally, I have no trouble apologizing to my wife. As long as she apologizes first. . . That said, apologies can be powerful in litigation. Even more so in mediation. What’s more, mediation provides a setting in which parties can apologize more easily. After all, the process … Read More
part 1 Impasse. Arguably the single most dreaded word in the world of negotiation — where the worst outcome is no outcome. Impasse occurs every day — in business, marriage, life — and typically results when one or both parties in a negotiation refuse to make further concessions on a particular issue. As much as … Read More
Mediation can provide certainty in an uncertain litigation process. By design, it enables the client to have control (at least over their own decisions), in a judicial process that none of us can fully control. My role, simply put, is to try to help lawyers and their clients make good decisions with the information they … Read More
Several years ago, I wrote a Best Practices article for the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), advising contractors approaching or participating in mediations. Below is a summary of that article — which should be helpful to any clients participating in mediations. Be Prepared. The three keys to success in any endeavor are preparation, preparation and … Read More
Should You or Shouldn’t You? I recently served on a panel of mediators at the Alabama State Bar’s annual meeting. One of the attendees asked the panel if we encouraged attorneys to make mediation opening statements. I was the sole panelist who said Yes. I believe opening statements are important; particularly when a mediation is … Read More
Whether it’s written or oral, communication is the legal profession equivalent of blocking & tackling — and it comes naturally to most attorneys. I suspect most of us would grade ourselves pretty highly on our communication skills. That said, I have to wonder if we’re intentional enough about what we communicate, and the messages we … Read More
