Downtown Lunch - A View From the Bench: What to Expect When You Agree To A Mediation

You are invited to join us for an interactive panel discussion about what you need to understand and prepare for when entering into a mediation and what can you do as a participant to give your mediation the best chance to succeed. Mediation is much less formal than going to court, but the conflict resolution process does involve distinct stages designed to lead to a mutually beneficial compromise. This program will provide insight on the best practices for a successful mediation from the vantage point of experienced mediators and in-house counsel that have been through the mediation process and will be moderated by Ruben Castillo, Akerman partner and former Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Topics to be covered include:

•     The best time for mediation
•     The value of pre-mediation conferences and calls
•     The value of information exchange
•     The value of opening statements
•     The need to inform the mediator of all relevant information
•     Realistic party expectations—understanding the mediation ground rules
•     The importance of a collaborative format to build trust
•     The importance of candor
•     What the significant guideposts are toward resolution
•     Effective post-mediation behavior