“I can’t get no…Satisfaction.” The Rolling Stones, 1964

Maybe if Mick Jagger went to a mediation he would have felt differently. Realistically, satisfaction should be the goal for all parties at a mediation. No one should expect to walk out feeling vindicated. On the other hand, no one should walk out feeling like they got hosed. Walking out of a mediation feeling satisfied is about the best anyone should expect, and lawyers should try to manage their client’s expectations along these lines prior to the mediation. The way someone feels at a mediation is extremely important in trying to get the case resolved and the parties at the mediation should be advised in advance that feeling satisfied, but not truly happy, is probably the best they can hope for.