One of the fastest ways to stall a mediation is also one of the most avoidable: failing to include the person who actually has the power—or practical influence—to say yes. That is why part of my pre-mediation preparation includes a…
Businesses and their counsel often ask whether mediation should occur early in a commercial dispute or only after discovery has developed the case. But the better question is not whether every fact has been uncovered. It is whether the parties…
Most mediation briefs read like recycled motion papers, and that makes them far less useful than they could be. A modern brief should be a problem-solving tool that orients the mediator, sets a realistic path to resolution, and uses confidentiality…
Not long ago, two attorneys reached out to me before agreeing to bring me on as their mediator. They wanted to understand my experience with their specific, niche commercial matter. The attorneys asked about my process, my strategies, and subject-matter…
Virtual mediation was a lifeline when the world shut down in 2020. Six years later, it’s worth asking an uncomfortable question: are we still choosing it because it works best or because it’s convenient? Across Philadelphia, attorneys are streaming back into…
I. Introduction: The Split-Second Decision That Shapes Negotiations Picture a familiar scene. You are in a mediation late in the day. The numbers are close, emotions are high, and someone on the other side makes a comment that feels dismissive,…
Mediation can feel unfamiliar and even intimidating, especially if it’s your first time walking into a session. Whether you’re a personal injury plaintiff recovering from an accident, a business owner facing a contract dispute, or an employee navigating a workplace…
When it comes to resolving disputes, preparation often determines the difference between success and stalemate. Lawyers who take the time to properly prepare for mediation not only strengthen their client’s positions, but also create the conditions for meaningful negotiation and…
In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, the stakes in business disputes are higher than ever. For companies and professionals in Philadelphia, South Jersey, and the surrounding areas, the decision about how to resolve conflict carries consequences beyond the outcome of…
Introduction The cost of doing business in Philadelphia has always been high, but one expense that many companies wish they could avoid is the time and money spent in litigation. Court dockets in Philadelphia are often overcrowded, leading to delays…
