How to Become a Mediator in California
Opportunities for mediators in California continue to expand. In a state of its size with a large and diverse population and a robust economy exposed to market-driven and social pressures, the number of disputes is bound to rise. And rising caseloads are straining judicial resources, causing backlogs of cases and delays for disputants in getting […]
The Cost of Conflict
I read with interest Angela Bilbow’s article, Mediation: The Unsung Hero (link below) and think it important to comment on the countervailing themes of international developments favoring commercial mediation and the perceived underutilization of mediation as a dispute resolution option. Having taught recently in Turkey with one of the Brick Court Chambers symposium members, John Sturrock […]
Court ADR Programs: Q&A
We received some great questions from attendees during our recent webinar with Bruce and Howard Herman (JAMS mediator and expert on court ADR programs), many of which we did not have time to address live. So we thought we’d let both Bruce and Howard weigh in on your questions in writing as an educational opportunity […]
Chasing Dinosaurs
When I first began a career in mediation, almost thirty years ago, we often needed to convince others of the benefits of mediation. In those days, it was not uncommon to encounter attorneys who were resistant to considering any alternative to trial by jury. Given our limited resources of time and money, I would remind […]
Using a Hybrid Mediation/Arbitration Approach – Its Benefits and Risks
I read with great interest the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation (PON) article this past month concerning the “hybrid tool” of mediation/arbitration, or “med/arb,” as it is often referred to. The article suggested that med/arb is becoming increasingly popular as an approach to dispute resolution. Med/arb has been around for as long as there […]
A Dent in the Universe
As we approach the August 7th 2019 United Nations Convention and signing ceremony promoting international settlement agreements resulting from mediation, it is timely that we pause to reflect on the many and significant strides that have been made around the world toward promoting the use of mediation to resolve conflict. As Steve Jobs famously said, […]
Developing Your Career in Mediation Course Has Launched
Edwards Mediation Academy has recently launched a new online course, Developing Your Career in Mediation. This course is for everyone who is considering a career in dispute resolution, as well as individuals who are seeking to enhance their existing career. Like all Edwards Mediation Academy Courses, the Developing Your Career in Mediation is taught by […]
Heroes and Capes
On March 18, 1997, 3 years after the Rwandan genocide officially ended, the Interahamwe militia from the Democratic Republic of Congo entered the Nyange Secondary School in western Rwanda as part of their murderous rampage and ordered the students to separate, Tutsi on the left and Hutu on the right. The students replied that there […]
Vivien Williamson – Mediating with Empathy
Attorney Vivien Williamson has been a mediator since 1987. She has helped resolve thousands of disputes, from employment to civil rights; earth movement to personal injury. In her employment law practice, she has mediated hundreds of claims of sexual harassment; disability, gender and age discrimination, among others. Vivien is known for her ability to take […]
It’s Time for Collective Reflection
I read with interest the recent article written by my friend and colleague Tom Stipanowich, The International Evolution of Mediation: A Call For Dialogue and Deliberation. In his article, Tom does a most credible job identifying divergent mediation perceptions and practices while also promoting the need for “collective reflection, dialogue and discernment” regarding recent trends. […]