By: R. Cooper Shattuck and H. Harold Stephens
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on virtually everyone, and lawyers are no different.
Mediation is just one of the areas in which our practices have been significantly affected. While some of the COVID-19 consequences were temporary, the ability to gather virtually or remotely is here to stay. Dorothy was right, "We're not in Kansas anymore!"
We can debate whether it should be, but the reality is Zoom and the like are now part of our lives. If you have not already done so, you or your client are likely going to participate in a virtual mediation soon.
This article is written by mediators for mediators and for lawyers to offer guidance inc conducting and participating in online mediation. The authors recognize that not every case nor every participant is suitable for virtual mediations; some mediations need to be done in person and sometimes you just have to be there. But, if you are planning or participating in mediation online, we hope you will find the following tips and information helpful.