Section to present 'The Mediator Forum Redux'

The State Bar of Michigan’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section will present “The Mediator Forum Redux: Where Mediators Learn from Mediators” online Tuesday, May 4, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The ADR Section Skills Team is pleased to announce the return of its popular Regional Mediator Forum, newly redesigned for Zoom.

The program consists of facilitated small group discussions about some of the hottest and most important aspects of mediation practice management. Colleagues, friends and even competitors will discuss how other practitioners handle key issues and practices. Participants are invited to share thier experience, ideas, and approach. Each break out room will be “staffed” by an
experienced member of the ADR Section to facilitate the discussion and bring out the best ideas.

Some of the topics will include:

• Marketing: What are successful practitioners doing to build or expand their market?

• Billing practices: From collecting advance retainers to adjournment/cancellation fees; from charging for travel to collection enforcement; from hourly to daily rates, learn what mediators are doing to get paid.

• Use of written agreements: Should you have one? Are they long or short?  What’s the purpose?  Who uses them?  What do they say?  What do they do for you?

• Pre-mediation conference calls: When are they used? How are they used?  What function do they perform?  Can you charge for them?  What’s the point?

• Documenting settlement agreements: Who does the drafting? Which is preferred: a memorandum of understanding, a term sheet, or a final Settlement Agreement and Release of All Claims?

Planning the forum are Earlene Baggett Hayes, Lee Hornberger, Ed Pappas, Shel Stark, and Betty Widgeon.

There is no admission charge for the forum but enrollment is limited. To register, visit https://connect.michbar.org/adr/home and scroll down to “Upcoming Events.”