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Welcome to my Mediation Blog. Thank you for taking a look. I hope you find something here worthwhile or useful.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.: Why It Matters at the Mediation Table (Previously published in "Spotlight," the Oakland County Legal News)
Categories: Practice Tips
Consider the range of emotions parties sometimes experience as they become embroiled in litigation: frustration, regret, self-doubt, aggravation, anger, bitterness, depression, anxiety, disappointment…
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How the Greek Financial Crisis Resembles a Mediation
Categories: In the News
Negotiations between the Greek government and the European Economic Community were much in the news this summer. In the wake of the refugee crisis, the financial crisis has been driven off the front p…
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Understanding Party Objectives & Goals: Arizona Settles Firefighter Death Cases
Categories: In the News
On June 29, 2015, the New York Times reported on the settlement of two wrongful death law suits against the State of Arizona brought by family members of firefighters killed in a terrible wildfire tra…
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Mediators and Arbitrators: A "Stark" Contrast
Categories: This & That
Many ADR providers offer both Mediation and Arbitration services, but are the skill sets they offer in each different? If so, how? I spoke on the topic of mediation recently to the National Academy of…
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What Makes a Good Listener?
Categories: This & That
Listening is essential to good communication. Listening is even more essential to the mediation process. Parties should listen to one another. They might learn something new; or hear something said in…
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The Vanishing American Trial Revisited
Categories: This & That
The State Bar of Michigan recently sponsored a forum, “The Future of Legal Services.” In the December issue of the State Bar Journal, State Bar President Thomas Rombach followed up with a…
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"Keep this to Yourself; I'm saving it for Trial!"
Categories: Practice Tips
One essential element of the mediation process is trust in the mediator. I’m referring in particular to the kind of trust which gives parties and counsel comfort they can share sensitive information…
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16 Ways to Use Your iPad at Mediation
Categories: This & That
iPads are ubiquitous. We see them on the airplane, at the beach, on the next table at lunch, in the coffee shop and on counsel table during motions and trials. We use them for entertainment, to commun…
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SCAO Announces New Mediation Video
Categories: In the News
The following email was sent to the ADR Community today by Doug Van Epps, Director, Office of Dispute Resolution, State Court Administrative Office. I’m very proud of this and quote the email in…
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The Vanishing American Trial
Categories: Practice Tips
Tried a case lately? No? How long has it been? If your trial skills are getting rusty, you’re not alone. “Over the past 200 years, litigation in federal courts has continually changed. The…
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