Effective mediation is as much about preparation and judgment as it is about negotiation skill. Join Lisa Bower as she shares concrete, experience-tested strategies that help attorneys use mediation more effectively—and avoid common missteps that can derail resolution. Topics include how to draft a persuasive and useful position statement for the mediator, how and when to use a mediator’s proposal, and best practices for sharing information before and during mediation. The program also explores the practical differences between plaintiff and defense caucus rooms, why those differences matter, and how misunderstanding them can undermine progress. Drawing on real-world mediation experience, the presenter will share candid observations about strategies that consistently move cases toward resolution—and those that tend to stall negotiations.
Speaker: Lisa Bower brings more than 26 years of experience as a trial attorney to her work as a mediator. She has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in countless mediations, giving her a deep understanding of the strategic and practical realities of litigation. Her background includes complex personal injury, products liability, and medical malpractice matters, as well as service as in-house litigation counsel for two major insurance companies. This balanced perspective allows her to guide parties toward informed, effective resolution.
This session will be submitted for 1.0 hour of CLE credit in Missouri and Kansas. Kansas credit is pending.