Mediation Attorney in Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Mediator Preparation

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I think the preparation by the mediator is critical to trying to get these cases solved.  I felt that way when I was on the bench; that it was very important for the judge to be prepared, to know what the case is about.  I carry that into what I do as a mediation, so I read what the lawyers submit.  I go over the financials.  With my background I’m kind of interested in the financials anyway, but I think it’s really important.  I think it helps build trust, both with the attorneys, as well as with their clients.  If they can see that the judge is familiar with the case, knows what the issues are, knows what the facts are, I think that that helps not only build trust, but move towards resolution.

I think the other thing that’s really important about the judge being prepared for the mediation is it helps me to focus on where are the weaknesses in an individual case are.  Then I can point those out to the parties, you know?  You may be – because a lot of times parties get stuck.  They know what their position is, but they don’t always focus on the weaknesses in their case.  They focus on the strengths.  And I can point that out, not to take sides necessarily, but to tell the parties, you know, this is – this evidence is going to be presented to a jury.  This is what they’re going to be considering when they make their decision; and I think that all comes down to how prepared the mediator is.

Minnesota Mediation Attorney, Gregg Johnson, talks about preparation in the mediation process.

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