The Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan will offer an online "Mediator Forum" Thursday, February 24, from noon to 2 p.m. via Zoom.
The forum will coordinate small group discussions where mediators share their favorite techniques, experiences, interventions, and approaches. Everyone will be provided the list of discussion topics. Registrants will be randomly divided into small groups by Zoom. Each group will select a discussion leader to manage the discussion and a "scrivener" to keep notes for posting in the ADR Section resource library. After a time, participants will return to large group to share the best ideas. New groups will then be randomly assigned to continue the discussion and exchange with a different group of colleagues. Three sessions are expected in all, each of which will focus on different topics from the list below:
• Techniques for gaining the confidence and trust of parties at the start of mediation
• Mediating via Zoom: what works well for you?
• Talking to parties and lawyers
• Mediator proposals
• Combined mediation/case evaluation processes
• Does delegation of case evaluation authority impact your mediation process?
• Favorite techniques for closing mediation and reaching agreement
• Keeping track of the midpoint
There is no cost to register for the Forum. To register, visit https://connect.michbar.org/adr/home. Anyone with questions can email Mary Anne Parks at parks.maryanne@gmail.com.
