Getting stuck talks unstuck

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 June 19, 2019 11:26 AM

Welcome to “Mediation: Impassable,” where the mediation you chose to accept is now mired so deep in mud, not even Tom Cruise could move it.If you’re really stuck after reasonable efforts, here are a few suggestions.Demands. Plaintiffs have to make an initial demand and keep making demands if they want to settle. Sooner or later, they will. Is anything gained by withholding?Offers. The defendant has to make an offer if they want to settle. Refusing to offer forces the plaintiff into a corner and makes them …

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