Do clients talk during mediation?

Asked by: Dr. Deven Kessler  |  Last update: July 7, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (18 votes)

Some lawyers instruct their clients not to talk during mediation. If this is your decision with your lawyer it is fine; however, it is important for you to know that you are allowed to speak to the mediator at any time.

Do the clients speak during a mediation?

Although the lawyers usually do most of the talking, clients are allowed to talk if they would like. But, always discuss what you plan to say with your lawyer and decide whether it is better to talk in the opening session or later in private with the mediator.

How do you talk during mediation?

Avoid using words like “always” and “never.” Give concrete examples to illustrate your point of view. Talk about a problem in terms of what you want to see happen in the future or how a situation or working relationship can be improved, rather than arguing about the past.

How do you know if mediation is successful?

The mediation is “successful” as long as either or both outcomes are capable of being recognised by the participants – and that will be the case for most mediations in which parties participate in good faith, even if they are sceptical as to the prospects for settlement when they embark on it.

What does a mediation session look like?

The mediator asks each participant to explain why they are in the mediation and what they would like to see happen in mediation. The mediator may ask questions to clarify, brainstorm, or create options. Anyone may ask the mediator for a break at any time, or the mediator may decide to call for a break.

10 Points to Remember when Representing Clients in Mediation

20 related questions found

What is the average settlement offer during mediation?

Mediation is a process that often provides parties the opportunity to reach settlement agreements, though average offers tend to range from 20-50% of damages. It's important for both involved in mediation sessions and negotiations.

What questions will I be asked in mediation?

Questions on Disagreements (2)
  • Is there a way that both of you might be right? ...
  • What criteria could you use to decide what works best?
  • Would it be possible to test your ideas in practice and see which work best? ...
  • you do that?
  • Would you be willing to jointly investigate your conflicting factual assertions?

What is the golden rule of mediation?

The Golden Rule of Mediation is to treat others as you would like to be treated during the negotiation process. It embodies the principles of fairness, respect, and collaboration, guiding parties to engage in negotiations in good faith and with a focus on achieving a mutually beneficial resolution.

How often do cases settle in mediation?

Since 80-90% of all cases settle during a mediation session and since most judges will now not give the parties a trial date before they have gone through the mediation process, it is important to know what mediation is and understand how mediation works.

Is there a downside to mediation?

Because the mediator has no power to impose a resolution of the dispute on the parties, the parties must be willing to compromise. Mediation costs money, and an unsuccessful mediation will result in additional costs of litigation. Costs are usually split between the parties.

What words do you use during mediation?

We then asked the mediators what words do you use to prime parties for the mediation process? The responses included 'efficient,' 'fair,' 'listen,' 'partner,' 'together,' 'trust,' 'appreciate,' 'willingness,' 'result,' 'path,' 'future' and 'please.

What do you wear to a mediation meeting?

Dress professionally and conservatively. Men should wear pants and a button down shirt, or if you have a suit and/or jacket wear it. Make sure you are well groomed, clean shaven or with your beard trimmed and neat. Women should choose a dark colored pant or skirt suit, a modest dress or a skirt or slacks and a blouse.

What are open-ended questions in mediation?

Active Listening and Open Ended Questions
  • How would you describe…?
  • How did this problem begin?
  • How do you feel about…?
  • What happened in this situation?
  • How did you respond when…?
  • Can you explain what went on?
  • How would you like to resolve this?
  • What can you do to work this out?

What should you not say during mediation?

Disrespectful Comments

Making unnecessary comments under your breath, having a negative attitude, or rolling your eyes won't help you. The defense team might decide they don't want to meet you halfway to reach an agreement if you mistreat them. The mediator might not want to work with you, either.

What does an attorney do during mediation?

Your attorney will explain the mediation process, and the two of you will identify the issues to be discussed, and your attorney will help you to be comfortable and confident when discussing the issues, your concerns, and your interests during the mediation session.

How to negotiate a settlement in mediation?

Learn about the facts and issues through the briefs and/or a joint session. Meet privately with the mediator at least twice to share your thoughts and find out what the other side is up to. Negotiate patiently. As long as both sides are moving, there may be a deal.

Who wins in mediation?

Unlike a jury verdict in a civil trial, there is no clear winner and loser in a mediation settlement. Instead, the goal of mediation is to reach a settlement in which both sides see the outcome as fair and desirable and feel that they have reached a satisfactory agreement on their own.

Who makes the first offer in mediation?

First, it is traditional for the plaintiff to start. (It confuses the defense when they don't want to; and not in a good way.) Second, plaintiff brought the case. Presumably, plaintiff knows the value of his or her claims.

How long after mediation can you go to court?

There is no specific timeframe for going to court after mediation. Once you proceed to court, the judge will work with the parties and their attorneys to schedule dates. Depending on the complexity of your case, the trial can last one or several days or several weeks or months.

What is the most difficult part of mediation?

The most difficult part of the mediation process is to get people to accept that mediation can be an effective way to resolve their dispute.

How to behave in a mediation?

Be prepared to consider that you may have been mistaken about something, have been missing information, or may have made an incorrect assumption. Follow the instructions of the facilitator/ mediator ▪ Be aware of time limits ▪ Be willing to make some adjustments in your behavior if any are requested.

How long is mediation?

On the expiry of Sixty days from the date fixed for the first appearance of the parties before the mediator, the mediation shall stand terminated , unless the court , which referred the matter sou-motu, or open the request by the mediator or any of the parties and upon hearing all the parties, is of the view that ...

What to say in a mediation session?

It's a good idea to prepare a short statement to present at the mediation that outlines the key issues in dispute and why they are important to you. Think about the outcomes you would like to achieve. Think about other alternatives or options you would be prepared to consider.

What to expect at your first mediation?

The mediator will ask questions, reframe issues, assist the parties to understand each other, and help identify solutions. Mediators do not take sides, pass down decisions, offer legal advice or reveal confidences. There are a number of kinds of discussions that parties can have in the context of a mediation.

What are clarifying questions in mediation?

Clarifying Questions are simple questions of fact. They clarify the dilemma and provide the nuts and bolts so that the participants can ask good probing questions and provide useful feedback. Examples of Clarifying Questions: Is this what you said…?