The Effective Mediation Brief: A Missed Opportunity for Many

In an era where the vast majority of disputes settle before reaching trial, the mediation brief remains one of the most under‑leveraged tools in a lawyer’s advocacy toolkit. Too often, attorneys rush past this critical step, treating the mediation brief as a procedural obligation rather than the first, and perhaps most powerful, opportunity to influence […]
Boost Your Career with Expert-Led Mediation Training Online

Conflict happens. Whether it’s in the boardroom, the courtroom, or just within a team project, the ability to navigate disputes is one of the most valuable soft skills you can possess. But mediation is more than just “playing nice.” It is a structured, professional discipline that can transform your career trajectory. If you are looking […]
Master Conflict Resolution: The Benefits of Mediation Training Online

Conflict is a natural part of human interaction. Whether it happens in the boardroom, within a family, or between organizations, the ability to navigate disputes is a powerful skill. But effective mediation isn’t just about having good intuition; it requires a specific set of tools, strategies, and a deep understanding of human psychology. For a […]
Artificial Intelligence in Mediation: What the Future Holds for Mediators

Artificial intelligence for helping mediate disputes has begun to gain traction. Although it might not yet be commonplace, it is on its way to playing a pivotal role in conflict resolution, providing mediators with tools and functionalities that streamline the mediation process, offer data-driven insights, and help manage communications and negotiations. The use of Artificial […]
What is the Difference Between Mediation and Arbitration?

Arbitration and mediation share a common lineage as alternatives to the traditional legal system of court and jury trials. Known as different forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), they are both intended to offer less expensive, more efficient outside-of-courtroom approaches to resolving disputes than afforded by more formal litigation. Yet there, the similarities end. The […]
Average Settlement Offers During Mediation

What’s Wrong with Asking About Average Settlement Offers During Mediation? I was asked by a journalist recently about the average settlement offers in mediation. And while his search for understanding is laudable, the question itself is misguided. Mediation, a form of alternative dispute resolution, is best defined as a facilitated negotiation. At its core, it […]
Rethinking Basic Mediation Training: Essential Skills

Basic Mediation Training – An Essential Foundation for Mediators There is a reason why so many aspiring mediators enter the profession by completing a 40-hour basic mediation training course. Basic mediation training builds the essential foundation of knowledge, skills, and ethical awareness required to manage conflict effectively. It introduces core principles such as neutrality, active […]
A Case for Forgiveness in Mediation

What is the Role of Forgiveness in Mediation? Forgiveness can be a powerful and transformative element in mediation and conflict resolution. While forgiveness in mediation is not always the main goal, it can create a conducive environment for amicably resolving conflicts. The case for forgiveness in mediation stems not just from its potential to facilitate […]
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 Value Proposition of Mediation – Understanding the Cost of Conflict

What is The Cost of Conflict? The cost of conflict is central to the value proposition of mediation because it highlights—both tangibly and intangibly—what mediation helps individuals and organizations avoid. In essence, the greater the costs of unresolved or poorly managed conflict, the more valuable mediation becomes as an alternative. Conflict is a naturally occurring […]