The Importance of Listening in Conflict Resolution
By: Philip G. Thompson Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator It has been said that listening is the most important part of communication. I would go so far as to say that this applies even more in conflict resolution. Quite simply, if we don’t...
Starbucks’ Grande Mistake
By: Brenda F. Pagliaro Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator We all know what it is like to order a coffee at Starbucks, with its signature sizes ranging from Short to Grande to Venti. Every time I go there for a coffee, I get order anxiety. Starbucks was forced...
Mediator Brenda F. Pagliaro Joins MediationWorks
MediationWorks is pleased to announce the addition of Brenda F. Pagliaro to the company as its newest mediator. Brenda F. Pagliaro is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator and Arbitrator. With more than three decades of legal and litigation experience, she is a resolution-oriented, effective negotiator. Her career...
Going With the Flow: The Influence of “Groupthink” on Mediation Outcomes
By: Ira S. Bergman Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator What do the Bay of Pigs invasion, the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster have in common? Answer: They all have been cited as examples of how “groupthink” can lead to disastrous consequences. In better understanding...
Interpreter or Assistant? Hire the Interpreter!
When a client’s ability to speak and understand English is in doubt, one must decide whether an interpreter should be used at a mediation. It is not the mediator’s decision, nor is the mediator required to provide interpreting services. The lawyer representing the client must make this decision. If it...
Opposing counsel is not your enemy. Talk to one another before the mediation.
It is such a simple idea, but one that is often ignored. There is so much to be gained and nothing to lose in speaking to opposing counsel a day or two before a scheduled mediation. Let opposing counsel know how your client sees the case and why they see...