Five Tips For Making Better Use Of Outside Counsel And Mediators

Having served as a mediator for over 30 years, I have observed in-house counsel trying, with varying success, to manage outside counsel and others in the mediation process, including the neutral. Optimal results in mediation are not assured simply by retaining highly qualified outside counsel and mediators. As a result of my experience, I offer in-house counsel the following practical tips to make better use of these chosen professionals to achieve more favorable outcomes for your company.

These tips also provide guidance to outside counsel and other neutrals as they seek to work with in-house counsel and each other to improve their own effectiveness as well as that of each participant in this important dispute resolution process.