I think Diane Levin, author of the excellent Mediation Channel, has a point when she says “The problem though is that all too often attorneys and mediators view each other as rivals, not partners, in dispute resolution. There’s plenty of mutual distrust and even open hostility to go around.”
Diane poses and answers two questions, what can lawyers do for mediators and what can mediators do for lawyers. They are great posts and well worth a read for both lawyers and mediators. Imagine the potential if the lawyers and the mediator regarded themselves as partners in dispute resolution!
I like this quote “Here’s where a mediator can help. The best mediators are negotiation experts who understand how to turn the parties into more effective negotiators. Mediation is not about holding hands and singing “Kumbaya”. It’s about getting your interests met and maximizing your gain–yours and the other side’s.”
Recommended.
Related posts:
Philip, you are too kind! Thanks for linking back to these posts and for being my co-mediator in my efforts to mediate a ceasefire between mediators and lawyers.