The Mediation Minute

Video conferencing is part of our daily lives these days, and those in the legal profession are finding more and more mediations and other negotiations online. Keely Scott, managing partner of Donohue, Patrick & Scott, joins Rebecca Wisbar on the Mediation Minute to share some tips for mediating online. Keely offers practical tips for a polished presentation and tactics for helping laypeople feel comfortable with the mediation process in a virtual setting. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton...

Chris Glisson, managing partner of MGM Attorneys joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute to discuss ethics and negotiation/mediation. Chris shares his thoughts about ethical questions that can arise in mediation that might not receive the attention they deserve. Special consideration is given to ethics in the information gathering stage of mediation preparation. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton Rouge mediator and attorney. The Mediation Minute is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,...

The dynamics between people are paramount in the mediation process. Tommy Juneau believes that the dynamics between attorneys can sometimes eclipse the dynamics between the parties. Return guest Tommy joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss mediation preparation and negotiations. What should go into a position paper at a mediation? Should you even submit a position paper for mediation? What level of detail should be covered with participants in a mediation in order to prepare? These questions and...

“Ultimately, what we all want is to come to a good resolution for all our clients and if you can understand what the other person is thinking, it can help you nudge them towards where you want them to be.” Jonathan Mitchell is our guest on the new episode of the Mediation Minute. Jonathan shares one question to ask clients which will set the tone for the future legal proceedings. Additionally, Jonathan and host Rebecca Wisbar discuss the concepts of anchoring and of confirmation bias. This...

The current COVID-19 situation may have encouraged disputing parties to negotiate where they might otherwise would litigate. Aaron Chaisson joins Mediation Minute host Rebecca Wisbar to analyze the many benefits of these negotiations, even if negotiations weren’t “Plan A.” Aaron identifies the process of finding the “pressure points” in a case and how experience provides perspective on the vantage point of all parties involved. The conversation closes with a discussion of post-trial...

Communications plus a business education, mixed with a dash of public relations can lead to a interesting perspective when paired with a law practice. Elizabeth Liuzza joins Rebecca Wisbar on the Mediation Minute to share how professional communication can influence the mediation process. Elizabeth shares insights into setting the tone and dealing with preconceived ideas that may present themselves during mediation. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton Rouge mediator and attorney. The Mediation...

The mediation opening session has evolved. Guest Tommy Juneau talks with host Rebecca Wisbar about the importance of the opening statements and how they set the tone for the entire process. Tommy shares some communication tactics that make for an effective mediation. Tommy Juneau is principal at Perry Dampf Dispute Solutions and serves as a full-time mediator. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton Rouge mediator and attorney. The Mediation Minute is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, ...

The ripple effect of COVID-19 continues to spread, even in terms of anticipated litigation. What impact will the global pandemic have on cases as varied as international law issues all the way to tort suits? Eric Johnson of CompQuantum joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss what might develop, comparing and contrasting the coronavirus crisis with other situations such as hurricanes and natural disasters. The unique nature of current circumstances might have unusual outcomes for business...

Two sides of the same coin—that’s how Darrell Loup describes his experience doing both defense work and having a plaintiffs’ practice. Darrell shares insights gained over a long career practicing law as he now moves into serving as a mediator. Host Rebecca Wisbar and Darrell discuss the various perspectives in mediation as well as the expectations each party may hold. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton Rouge mediator and attorney. The Mediation Minute is now available on Apple Podcasts, ...

We’ve talked about preparation on the Mediation Minute, now Katherine Loos joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss "personality." We hear about the importance of minimizing surprises, being prepared, and how assessing the personality of a mediator can lead to negotiation success. Katherine also explains how to understand the influence of key people (like family members) on the mediation process, and how to use those influences to help rather than hinder the process. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton...

42 - In the era of social distancing, Kent Gonsoulin joins host Rebecca Wisbar to discuss comedy, mediation and our "new normal.” Kent has a wealth of experience "reading the room" as he is a professional comedian in addition to his work as claims specialist well versed in mediation. Rebecca and Kent analyze how the give and take of mediation shifts as there is more distance between the parties. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton Rouge mediator and attorney. The Mediation Minute is now...

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...