The goal of mediation is to manage or resolve a problem that has escalated into litigation. At some point litigation takes on an ugly and seemingly independent life of its own. Mediation is an opportunity to put the conflict into a broader and healthier context.

A June 26 presentation at The Florida Bar Annual Convention in Boca Raton — by John Upchurch and Sandra Upchurch, both of Upchurch Watson White & Max — will focus on the attitudes, skills and approaches that subtly convert the exercise to realizing the other side is really a partner in resolving a dispute.

Both parties have an interest in avoiding the commitment of years to lawyers, costs, anger and uncertainty. “We will focus on appropriate mediation objectives, preparedness and communication skills; assessment of external factors; influence of outside relationships; case analytics; and developing habits of thinking that will provide a template for effective mediation advocacy” says John Upchurch, founder, principal and CEO of the mediation group.

Mediation counsel Sandra Upchurch promises “Mediation Advocacy– What Works and What Doesn’t” will be a freewheeling, engaging and perhaps PowerPoint-free session between 2 and 5 p.m., as part of the Wednesday “A.I.M. Mediation: Advocacy, Impasse & Marketing” presentation. This CLER program is worth maximum general credit of 3.5 hours, with 2.5 hours counting toward ethics and civil trial certification credit of 2.5 hours.