Dealing with a Difficult Client During the Mediation Process

Mediation has become one of the most valuable tools an attorney can use to settle a dispute. In this presentation, National Law Journal’s #1 mediator of 2014, Hon. John DiBlasi, discusses one of the most difficult challenges facing attorneys in the ADR process - dealing with the difficult client. The presentation examines this process, beginning with the preparation of the client, management of their expectations, and gaining acceptance and compromise at every stage of mediation. The presentation also focuses on the importance of maintaining client relations, a concern that attorneys face in this challenging environment every day.

Learning Objectives:

I.    Understand how to properly prepare the client for mediation

II.   Maximize the joint and break-out sessions

III.  Utilize the mediator to gain the client’s acceptance

IV.  Recognize how to handle the client when the case does and does not settle