Mediator/Professor Tries to Model Patience, Diplomacy for Students
Last weekend, I attended a picnic sponsored by the law school. One of my students came over to the table where I was working and introduced me to her significant other. The young man told me that my student had been encouraging him to use some of the... Read More
Law School Exercise Challenges Stereotypes, Assumptions
During our third week of class, I created a new exercise to help my students identify stereotypes and learn to refrain from prejudging other people. I asked the students to characterize the homes in which they were raised and to share one important f... Read More
Law School Professor/Mediator Feels More at Home
What a difference seven days can make. During my second week as a law school professor, I felt much more confident in my abilities at the lectern. In no small part, that was because none of my students dropped the course after hearing me speak in wee... Read More
Teaching Law School Class About Mediation
I have always wanted to teach a law school class. So, when the Dean of Academic Affairs at FAMU College of Law called to invite me to teach a course about mediation, I jumped at the opportunity. After 23 years as a practicing lawyer, I am finally c... Read More
Basic Training 2: Gaining Mediation Insight
Scheduling can be one of the biggest challenges in getting ready for a mediation, particularly if the case involves numerous attorneys. It is important to place a hold on the mediator’s calendar as soon as possible so that you will preserve the date.... Read More
Basic Training: What is Mediation?
Earlier this year, shareholder Michelle Jernigan took part in a boot camp for paralegals. She offered fundamental advice about hiring a mediator and assisting when a mediation takes place. What is mediation? A professional neutral helps disputing pa... Read More
Alabama Mediator: Is Mediator's Proposal a Last Resort?
My Upchurch Watson White & Max colleagues and I recently discussed the concept of a Mediator's Proposal (MP), which gave me the opportunity to lay out my position on this mediation tool. For me, the polestars for the mediation process generally are m... Read More
