Nine fine dry mediation whines

Mediation Circus

By Michael R. Panter

Hon. Michael R. Panter (Ret.) is a senior mediator at ADR Systems of America LLC. He previously served in the Law, Family and Municipal Divisions of the Cook County Circuit Court. He was a trial lawyer for 30 years. Share responses and comments at mikepanter.com.

Posted October 2, 2019 11:05 AM

“Aren’t we there yet? How much longer? We’re never going to get there! My tummy hurts! Can I go home now? This mediation stinks!”Rule No. 1: Patience.You’ve been litigating the case for years. You’ve had 20 contentious depositions and five motions for sanctions. Positions have been taken and bad feelings have been building. Why would you expect all that to change in an instant? It takes time to turn a big ship around. Be patient. Everyone made a huge commitment to be there. Give it a …

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