Trial lawyers have many tools to prepare cases for trial. We propound interrogatories, requests for production and requests for admissions. We take depositions, we do legal research, we file dispositive motions, and we move for continuance when strategically necessary. In addition, we go to mediation.

While mediation is designed to help parties resolve their disputes, it is also a powerful tool to prepare a case for trial. This article discusses how we use mediation to prepare for trial if the case is unable to settle.