The Constructive Role that Lawyers Can Play |CITY|

Submitted by dan. on 2007-03-13 22:25.
Questions

In the many conversations I have had with mediators over the years about the role of lawyers at the mediation table, one thing has sadly stood out: the extent to which many mediators distrust attorneys and misconstrue their motives. They see attorneys as sources not healers of conflict and view them as obstacles to resolution. As a mediator who is also an attorney, I have to say that this is unfortunate and short-sighted.

Here now are specific ways in which lawyers can make a positive difference to what happens at the mediation table.

Preparedness for mediation... .

Informed decisions... .

Helping clients participate... .

Creative problem-solving... .

Offset power imbalances... .

Size up the no-agreement alternative... .

Make decisions... .

Look for the devil in the details... .

Read it all.

This is part of a three-part article on "Bridging the Divide Between Lawyers and Mediators" found on the blog Online Guide To Mediation, which is worth checking out.