When Your Mediator Calls...

I routinely reach out to counsel several days before a mediation to discuss the case or dispute. Those conversations are almost always valuable—and sometimes make all the difference.

• A pre-mediation conversation can uncover information that saves valuable time at the mediation table.

• Counsel may share something that is difficult or awkward to say in front of a client.

• We may discover that the parties need additional information or documents before they are truly ready to negotiate.

• Sometimes, I discover an important “missing chair”—someone whose involvement is necessary to get the case resolved.

• And occasionally, a few phone calls before mediation are enough to settle the case altogether.

A good mediation begins before everyone walks into the room. It starts with preparation.

So, when your mediator calls—answer!