While every mediator approaches mediation a little differently, there is more to this process than simply trying to help the parties reach a compromise that settles the issues between them. Whether you’re an attorney who mediates or a mediator who’s relatively new to the game, I’d like to share a “behind-the-scenes” look at five actions I perform at every mediation. I hope this will enhance your understanding of the process and help you successfully mediate cases in the future.

Action 1: I Make Sure I Understand the Facts and the Law About Your Case

First, I am going to make sure that I know the facts and law about your case to the best of my ability. I do that by relying on my experience as an attorney these past 26 years, plus threeyears before that as an insurance adjuster. I also call upon the knowledge I have gained having mediated more than 2,000 cases. Additionally, I review and understand any pre-mediation materials you send to me. Finally, I stay current on the relevant CLEs and changes in cases law, and I talk with attorneys following their settlements or get the lowdown on big trial verdicts or crushing defeats.