Unlocking the potential of a conclave – the Do’s and Don’ts

Julie Somerville

Unlocking the potential of a conclave – the Do’s and Don’ts

Unlocking the potential of a conclave – the Do’s and Don’ts

As we all know, the Court’s requirement for joint expert reports has become a routine part of litigation. When I was in private practice, the expert conclave process was a bit of a nightmare, usually resulting in a substandard joint report. The experts were often unenthusiastic about participating and, left to their own devices, they […]

Efficient Expert Conclave Management: The Impact of a Skilled Facilitator

Efficient Expert Conclave Management: The Impact of a Skilled Facilitator

As we all know, the Courts are increasingly ordering experts to confer and produce a joint report that identifies their areas of agreement and disagreement, with a view to narrowing the issues in dispute.  Done well, these reports can assist in the just, quick and effective resolution of the matter; can reduce costs; or shorten […]

“I’m a lawyer – it’s in my DNA to go to Court” – why this doesn’t always hold true

“I’m a lawyer – it’s in my DNA to go to Court” – why this doesn’t always hold true

Mediation and litigation advocacy are two different approaches to resolving disputes, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these differences is crucial when it comes to choosing the best approach for your particular situation. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process that involves a neutral third party, the mediator, helping parties in a dispute […]

Six things lawyers routinely get wrong at mediation and how to avoid them

Six things lawyers routinely get wrong at mediation and how to avoid them

Before I became a mediator I practised as a litigation lawyer for 25 years. I represented clients in many mediations and, from time to time, it appeared that the parties wanted to resolve. but the lawyers were getting in the way. The cynic in me assumed it was ego, but in reality, it was probably […]

Difficult clients – how to reel them in

Difficult clients – how to reel them in

I’m sure you’ve all had that client who makes your stomach churn when you see their number pop up on your phone – that one who can be gruff or even rude; isn’t completely transparent with you; wants to run their own case; constantly complains; can be erratic; or simply doesn’t listen to anything you […]

Hybrid mediations – are they as effective?

Hybrid mediations – are they as effective?

It’s hard to believe that it’s been over two years since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic.  In 2020, there was such a frantic scramble to get on top of unfamiliar technology and find new ways to work so that mediations could continue.  Fast forward to mid-2022 and it’s probably fair to say that […]

Unlocking horns…….Breaking the Impasse

Unlocking horns…….Breaking the Impasse

Have you ever been stuck in a mediation where the parties have reached an impasse, it feels like it’s going nowhere, and a resolution seems impossible? There are a few reasons why this can happen, and understanding these reasons and knowing how to overcome them can help to break the impasse. The great divide An […]

The Importance of Pre-mediation Preparations

The Importance of Pre-mediation Preparations

Some mediations are straightforward and proceed without a hitch, but others are so complicated that you wonder why you ever thought it was a good idea in the first place.  Regardless of the complexity of a mediation, pre-mediation preparation is key to ensure that you are always representing your client well. If you don’t prepare […]

The Three Stages of a Successful Negotiation 

The Three Stages of a Successful Negotiation 

Negotiating the resolution of a matter at mediation isn’t always easy.  There is so much at play – different views of the facts; conflict between the parties; resentment; anger; hurt and often the feeling that nobody is really going to “win”.  There is no magic answer to what makes a successful negotiation, but there are […]