Mediation Restores What Silence Destroys
Most disputes are not driven by the issue. They are driven by silence.
I mediated a case on the eve of trial. Years of escalation. Letters. Complaints. Litigation. One constant. The parties never communicated in any meaningful way. Read More
Uncertainty of Litigation Led Alan Petlak into Mediation
Judicate West neutral Alan S. Petlak relies on preparation, patience and trust to resolve complex consumer finance, real estate and personal injury disputes, often stepping in to keep negotiations moving toward settlement. Read More
When Walking Out Isn't the End of the Mediation
Not too long ago, I mediated a case for the second time. The first session, nearly a year earlier, ended where many do: the parties were miles apart, entrenched, and unconvinced settlement was possible.
Fast forward to round two. Trial was a month... Read More
Brackets, Parallel Moves, and the Path to Yes
In a recent mediation, the parties began miles apart. The plaintiffs wanted over $3 million. The defendants offered $400,000. I opened with a tool I rarely use at the outset: brackets. We tested conditional ranges to see whether any overlap existed. ... Read More
