Mediating by videoconference (or teleconference) on ZOOM

A doctor was expelled from a medical practice last year, leading to a dispute over the Operating Agreement buyout. We mediated it in April, with everyone participating over Zoom. The very challenging negotiation ended well. Technology did not get in the way. Strong emotions came out (in caucus) and blunt evaluation (also in caucus) was needed to help people look at the dispute through a different lens, that of what was in their present best interest.

My last in-person mediation was on March 6, and how the world has changed! ZOOM mediation is the new normal. Being in a couple of risk categories (over 60 and missing my spleen), I’m playing it safe—and so should you and your clients. For the foreseeable future, all my mediations will be done remotely.

Each mediation is preceded by a “tech check” for each side with my consultant, Mike Acosta, to make it easy and comfortable, to avoid technical glitches and to be sure we are prepared if technology problems arise. None have to date. Contact me with any questions about how it works.

Licensed to practice law in Illinois and Pennsylvania.

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