In most mediation of litigated cases, the parties and their attorneys (and us mediators) want to get to the private caucus quickly. These caucuses provide a relatively comfortable space to discuss and analyze the case. It’s where we ask attorneys about their BATNA and WATNA – what’s the best and worst that could happen if the case does not settle at mediation. And, if we are doing our job, we also connect with the individual party and learn more about their needs (as opposed to wants). We know that attorneys will not “honestly” evaluate their case in front of the other side, so we don’t ask in general session. Once this analysis by the participants (with the mediators’ facilitation) is complete we switch to a facilitative negotiation. My query to you – is there ever a time short of settlement when we should get folks back together? I believe the answer is a resounding “Yes” and let me demonstrate with a recent case.
The case was a denied workers’ compensation claim and after our general session we moved to caucus. In caucus, it became clear that the injured worker was very interested in a medical evaluation to find out what was wrong with his back. (His first proposal was for a medical evaluation which was declined by defendant.) Since he didn’t know, the uncertainty presented itself in a settlement demand that the defense found out of the ballpark. We still traded some numbers, but things were not moving to quickly and at some point, plaintiff’s counsel again raised the idea of medical care. The way counsel shared it suggested to me that we get back together or at least get the attorney’s and the claims professional together.
So, I asked plaintiff’s counsel if he would come back to the other room and share his idea that a medical evaluation would provide everyone with needed information, i.e., if the evaluation did not show a serious condition needing surgery, then the plaintiff would be better able to settle the case in a range likely acceptable to the defendant. Or, if a serious condition was found, then both sides would know the extent of potential medical care. I brought counsel together with the claims professional; plaintiff explained their idea in a cordial manner and then I split them up again. After some discussion, the defense agreed. We recessed the mediation to allow for a medical evaluation at defendant’s direction. Now, I still don’t know whether the case will eventually settle or not, but it now has a much better chance as compared to the chances last week.
With this recent experience under my belt, I encourage you to think of ways to get folks back together for a specific purpose in your mediation. As I explain in mediation trainings, when you get folks together there is risk and opportunity. As mediator we must set up for opportunity and manage the risk!
The case was a denied workers’ compensation claim and after our general session we moved to caucus. In caucus, it became clear that the injured worker was very interested in a medical evaluation to find out what was wrong with his back. (His first proposal was for a medical evaluation which was declined by defendant.) Since he didn’t know, the uncertainty presented itself in a settlement demand that the defense found out of the ballpark. We still traded some numbers, but things were not moving to quickly and at some point, plaintiff’s counsel again raised the idea of medical care. The way counsel shared it suggested to me that we get back together or at least get the attorney’s and the claims professional together.
So, I asked plaintiff’s counsel if he would come back to the other room and share his idea that a medical evaluation would provide everyone with needed information, i.e., if the evaluation did not show a serious condition needing surgery, then the plaintiff would be better able to settle the case in a range likely acceptable to the defendant. Or, if a serious condition was found, then both sides would know the extent of potential medical care. I brought counsel together with the claims professional; plaintiff explained their idea in a cordial manner and then I split them up again. After some discussion, the defense agreed. We recessed the mediation to allow for a medical evaluation at defendant’s direction. Now, I still don’t know whether the case will eventually settle or not, but it now has a much better chance as compared to the chances last week.
With this recent experience under my belt, I encourage you to think of ways to get folks back together for a specific purpose in your mediation. As I explain in mediation trainings, when you get folks together there is risk and opportunity. As mediator we must set up for opportunity and manage the risk!
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