Conflict Resolution
Mediation: Grit as an essential component to success at mediation
This is a short video from Ted.com which talks about a necessary ingredient for success. As any successful person knows, there are many failures on the way to success. Unfortunately, many quit before they can achieve their goal(s). This is also true in mediation. I have seen many instances in which parties have quit before really [...]
What community mediation can teach attorneys about the mediation process, Part 3 of 3
In my prior posts, we discussed how community mediators do things differently in mediation. Community mediators don’t just mediate, they work to make the lives of the parties slightly better than when those parties arrived for mediation. Whether you are an attorney, mediator, or a party in mediation, the following suggestions may make a huge [...]
What community mediation can teach attorneys about the mediation process, Part 2 of 3
In my earlier post, I started discussing what community mediation and mediators can teach attorneys about the mediation process. In this post, I will give you a few more concepts the community mediation model and community mediators can teach us about the mediation process. 4. Community mediators drill down past the surface with questions and [...]
What community mediation can teach attorneys about the mediation process, part 1 of 3
As an attorney, I’ve been trained to be effective in depositions and in the Courtroom. I have learned how to spot a liar or someone who is tap dancing on the truth. Yet, it wasn’t until I became a student of the mediation process – specifically community, elder, and guardianship mediation – that I really [...]
Los Angeles County Superior Court Cutting 431 Employees and 56 Courtrooms
The Associated Press is reporting that the Los Angeles County Superior Court is cutting back 431 employees and 56 courtrooms. This is in addition to previously implemented cuts. This is likely to negatively impact all parties in litigation. As I’ve indicated before, these cuts are not good for anyone. Here is the AP article with [...]
Mediation: Do you really know what you are feeling during mediation?
The Harvard Business Review featured an article by Peter Bregman called “Do you really know how you are feeling?” The article does an effective job highlighting the fact that, often times, we don’t recognize the feelings which are behind our thoughts and actions. This issue is also very important to consider during mediation. In fact, [...]
Community Mediation Training
I am honored to be teaching a segment on how to deal with anger for this great Community Mediation Training Program. Conflict Resolution Programs Community Mediation Training April 12 – 29, 2012 This 28-hour training follows the California Dispute Resolution Program Act approved curriculum. Mail registration and payment to: Center for Human Development 391 Taylor Blvd., Ste. 120 Pleasant [...]
Student Feed Back
I recently received some feedback from students at a deposition training program I taught with some talented faculty members. While this is a shameless plug, it really makes me feel good about making a difference in the lives of others. When I teach, I do it with the intention to provide specific practical advice the [...]
Five signs that you haven’t properly prepared for mediation
1. Your client thinks the mediator is going to decide the case, during the mediation. 2. Your client is not prepared to make tough decisions, during the mediation. 3. Your client gets angry at you, during the mediation. 4. Your presentation, during the joint session, sounds like it is being given by a fifth grader. [...]
Is Walking Out The Best Mediation or Negotiation Strategy?
The are times in mediation and negotiation when one party stops responding to the offers or counter offers of the other party and walks out. This halts the mediation / negotiation process and any associated discussions. Unfortunately, way too many people relish showing up with walking out as their first option. It seems that their [...]
