The Mediation Minute

41 - Scott Fruge of The Fruge Law Firm is a member of the LSU Trial Advocacy Faculty. This “crash course” for law student seniors is a three-day intensive that walks students through the rigors of a trial. One step in that process is assessing the possibility of mediating a dispute. What are the practical benefits of seeing both sides of a dispute, and how does an attorney assess the weaknesses of their case? Scott explains how he instructs students in this assessment process with host...

A unique practice, Laurie Kadair of Kadair Law Firm, LLC estimates 80% of her cases are Special Needs Trust administration. Many of these trusts are established as part of a legal settlement. Host Rebecca Wisbar and Laurie Kadair discuss the fact that assets in Special Needs Trusts need to last “for the long haul”; thoughtful negotiation and communication must be employed to maintain positive relationships among all parties. This episode of The Mediation Minute is sponsored by MayerIT....

Mediation has come a long way in the legal community. Today, mediation is viewed as a positive course that can produce mutually beneficial results. This change in perspective is the subject of The Mediation Minute and the partners of Fletcher, Roy & Chenevert, LLC— Ralph Fletcher, Richard Roy, and Ryan Chenevert share how the times have changed when it comes to mediation. Host and mediator Rebecca Wisbar oversees the lively discussion between attorneys with extensive experience and...

Communication is key in mediation, but can humor play a role? Kent Gonsoulin, “Cajun Comedian” joins Rebecca Wisbar to talk about reading an audience (even an audience of one), testing the waters, and how humor can relieve tension even in sensitive situations. Kent offers practical insight into maintaining professional standards and a sense of humor. This episode of The Mediation Minute is sponsored by MayerIT. Full-service technology care for one low monthly price: data security, file...

Worker’s Compensation is a specialized area that needs certain expertise and experience to navigate. Chris Mensman of Mensman Law knows about “Life on Comp” and joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute to talk about how Worker’s Compensation impacts the mediation process. Chris shares his insights (and his signature brand of humor.) Reach Chris Mensman online at MensmanLaw.com. This episode of The Mediation Minute is sponsored by MayerIT. Full service technology care for one low...

Play on! Matt Pryor, Managing Partner of Pujol, Pryor & Irwin, is an attorney and a soccer referee. As a referee, Matt communicates not only verbally but also with body language, stance, and other forms of non-verbal communication. Matt and host Rebecca Wisbar discuss on this new episode of The Mediation Minute how much we communicate without saying a word. This episode of The Mediation Minute is sponsored by MayerIT. Full service technology care for one low monthly price: data security,...

Jennifer Moisant of Balfour Emonet law firm sits down with host Rebecca Wisbar to discuss managing emotions during mediation and what it means to encourage reasonable expectations. Jennifer and Rebecca discuss how valuable an impartial view can be to successful mediations as well as how to handle deeply personal information in a professional and respectful manner. Be sure to listen for a fun fact about Jennifer's family and the New Orleans Airport. This episode of The Mediation Minute is...

How does equestrian competition relate to mediation? Barbara Irwin of Pujol, Pryor & Irwin joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute. The delicate art of give and take holds center stage in this conversation, as well as how nonverbal communication is a powerful tool in negotiation. This episode of The Mediation Minute is sponsored by MayerIT. Full service technology care for one low monthly price: data security, file sharing, application support, secure/encrypted back-ups and more. Call...

What do "boxing" and "dressing for church" have to do with litigation? Przemek Lubecki of Morris Bart Attorneys at Law, New Orleans, joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute. Having previously practiced law in Illinois, Przemek discusses some of the differences between Louisiana and Illinois, especially when it comes to jury trials. Rebecca and Przemek explore how mediation impacts considerations of risk and cost management. Perspectives about doing defense work in your career before...

Information is power in a negotiation, and when you represent the plaintiff, stepping "into the shoes" of the defense can make all the difference when it comes to a settlement. Luke J. Thibodeaux, II of Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute to share how working as a claims adjuster early in his career influences his ability to reach effective resolution for his clients now as an attorney. Beyond Luke's irreverent, entertaining presentation are key...

Professor Paul Breaux and Ryan Chenevert, attorney reunite with host Rebecca Wisbar on this episode of The Mediation Minute to discuss the mediation process in law school clinical practice. Professor Breaux provides his insights into instructing future attorneys on how to effectively mediate. Ryan, from his perspective as the former law student, discusses the benefits of his experience in that Mediation Clinic and its impact on his professional development. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton...

Employment law is the topic of this Mediation Minute podcast. Returning guests Valencia Landry and Terry Landry discuss with Rebecca Wisbar general issues of employment cases as well as the specifics of "Whistleblowing." Rebecca, Terry, and Valencia detail how mediation of employment matters is beneficial for all parties. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton Rouge mediator and attorney. The Mediation Minute is now available on Apple Podcasts, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Get new episodes of...

Paul "Woody" Scott of The Scott Law Firm returns to The Mediation Minute to discuss some of the intriguing issues social media pose to those in the legal field. Is all publicity "good" publicity? That philosophy is put to the test in this conversation with Woody and host Rebecca Wisbar. Woody and Rebecca discuss the ramifications of using social media to publicize cases, issues of credibility, and even unintended consequences. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton Rouge mediator and attorney. The...

Within each mediation, there are several layers of negotiation taking place simultaneously. Ed Walters of Walters, Papillion, Thomas, Cullens, LLC joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute. The dispute between the parties may take the forefront in the mediation, but every participant would be wise to consider the additional negotiations taking place during the central mediation. Ed offers insights and practical guidance on the multiple negotiations encompassed in each mediation. Host...

What does mindfulness have to do with the practice of law? Lexlee Overton joins Rebecca Wisbar to talk about the ways you can achieve mindfulness, and thereby improve your legal practice, your mediations, and your life. Lexlee shares some stress reduction techniques. Additions we hear about her charitable organization that promotes childhood safety, Lexlee's Kids. Mentioned on the show: Lexlee Overton's Mind Over Law Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton Rouge mediator and attorney. The Mediation...

Vince Fornias returns to the Mediation Minute to speak with Rebecca Wisbar about arbitration. He provides comparison and contrast between arbitration and mediation as alternative dispute resolution methods. While both arbitration and mediation are outside of the court system, each method is unique in its approach, process, and style. The conversation closes with some insight into how parties view an arbitrator as opposed to a mediator. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton Rouge mediator and...

Paul "Woody" Scott joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss working with clients for whom English is not their first language. Woody, who was born in Honduras, assists many clients who primarily speak Spanish. Woody and Rebecca discuss how language impacts communication and negotiation. Immigration status is often a question when it comes to access to the court system. The conversation closes by talking about the role and availability of interpreters in the courts. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton...

Is "jury" a scary word for a litigant? Return guest Ryan Chenevert of Fletcher, Roy & Chenevert, LLC joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss how the prospect of going to jury trial influences the mediation process. Ryan shares how he uses focus groups as a way to assess the mindset of an average citizen plus what a client can learn from observing a focus group assess a case. The conversation closes by considering how parties can use the mediator to keep the process working smoothly and...

Terry Landry of Landry & Vessel, LLC shares a wealth of information about employment law. On the new episode of The Mediation Minute with host Rebecca Wisbar, he corrects several misconceptions held by both employers and employees. Terry discusses issues such as documenting infractions, protected classes, and maternity leave. The conversation closes with an exploration of how mediation can be advantageous in claims of employment discrimination. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton Rouge mediator...

Representing municipalities or State agencies brings different issues to litigation and mediation. Valencia Vessel Landry of Landry & Vessel, LLC joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss these differences. Also, Valencia explains that having a judgment is not the end of the process with a public entity and ways in which mediation is beneficial in these situations. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton Rouge mediator and attorney. The Mediation Minute is now available on Apple Podcasts, Facebook, LinkedIn,...