How do you structure a mediation session?

Asked by: Danyka Stiedemann  |  Last update: November 5, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (10 votes)

Most mediations proceed as follows:
  1. Stage 1: Mediator's opening statement. ...
  2. Stage 2: Disputants' opening statements. ...
  3. Stage 3: Joint discussion. ...
  4. Stage 4: Private caucuses. ...
  5. Stage 5: Joint negotiation. ...
  6. Stage 6: Closure.

What is the format of a mediation session?

A mediation session looks like a meeting with the participants sitting around a table. There is no written, audio, or video recording of the session. The atmosphere is informal and conversational. The mediator explains the Agreement to Mediate and asks the parties to sign it.

What are the steps in a typical mediation session?

The mediation process can include some or all of the following six steps:
  • Planning. ...
  • Mediator's introduction. ...
  • Opening remarks. ...
  • Joint discussion. ...
  • Caucuses. ...
  • Negotiation. ...
  • What do you think is most valuable to the mediation process?

How to run a mediation session?

Here are seven steps to help you learn how to mediate conflicts:
  1. Get involved early. ...
  2. Call a meeting with both parties. ...
  3. Reduce confrontation. ...
  4. Ask each party to share their side of the story. ...
  5. Identify points of agreement. ...
  6. Encourage them to see each other's points of view. ...
  7. Proffer solutions.

What are the 7 elements of mediation?

What are the Seven Elements of Mediation?
  • Interests.
  • Alternatives.
  • Options.
  • Communication.
  • Relationships.
  • Legitimacy.
  • Commitment.
  • Talk to an Experienced Los Angeles Mediator Today.

Mediation Role Play | Mediator Opening Statement

22 related questions found

What is the golden rule of mediation?

What is the Golden Rule in Mediation? There are three key features of the process: it's confidential, voluntary and flexible. The golden rule therefore is that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed by everyone and translated into a legally binding agreement that is signed by all parties.

What are the 5 pillars of mediation?

By adhering to the sacrosanct principles of neutrality, voluntary participation, confidentiality, self-determination, impartiality, and procedural fairness, mediation transcends the mere resolution of disputes.

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 do you say at the beginning of a mediation?

I am pleased to be here to assist you in working through your issues and believe you will find mediation to be a very helpful process. Thank you for committing to be here today. If any of you have a special need during the session, please let me know now or at any time during this session.

What are ground rules for mediation?

We will stay away from establishing hard positions and express ourselves in terms of our personal needs and the outcomes we wish to realize. We will listen respectfully, and sincerely try to understand the other person's needs. We will not make assumptions about the other person's motives or needs.

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.

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.

How to make a mediation plan?

Clarify goals and objectives prior to session start time
  1. Identify the goals of each party prior to the mediation session.
  2. Ask each party to list their expectations and desired outcomes.
  3. Discuss and review each party's individual goals and objectives.

What is a good opening statement for mediation?

I'm (Mediator's Name) and this is (Mediator's Name). We will be serving as your Mediators. You may call us by our first names; how would you like us to address you? The purpose of our meeting is to help you work out an understanding acceptable to both of you to resolve the situation that has been developing for you.

Do cases settle after mediation?

If the parties are unable to reach an agreement during a mediation session, sometimes a Mediator's Proposal post-mediation can lead to a settlement.

What is the agenda in mediation?

Mediation Agenda. Greeting and Ground Rules. Opening Statements - The purpose of the opening statements is to provide the parties with an opportunity to briefly summarize the issues, which they believe, need to be addressed to resolve the dispute. You should limit the summary to 5 or less minutes.

What questions do mediators ask?

Some Generic Questions (1)
  • What question, if answered, could make the greatest difference to the future?
  • What's important to you about the question? ...
  • What draws you to this issue, conflict or question?
  • What's our intention here? ...
  • What opportunities do you see in it?

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.

Who should make first offer in a 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.

What causes mediation to fail?

Mediation tends to be unsuccessful when parties are inflexible, when parties fail to communicate effectively, when parties allow their emotions to control the conversation, when one or both parties have insufficient information available, when there is an imbalance of power between the parties, or when parties have ...

Does your lawyer speak for you in mediation?

The mediator will then give each side an opportunity to explain the dispute and their position. The plaintiff usually goes first and the lawyer will give their position. The others parties will then do the same. Although the lawyers usually do most of the talking, clients are allowed to talk if they would like.

What are three disadvantages to mediation?

Cons
  • 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. ...
  • Mediation takes time, usually anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day.

What are the three rules for mediation?

Get good results at your mediation by keeping these basic tenets in mind.
  • Rule 1: The decision makers must participate. ...
  • Rule 2: The important documents must be physically present. ...
  • Rule 3: Be right, but only to a point. ...
  • Rule 4: Build a deal. ...
  • Rule 5: Treat the other party with respect. ...
  • Rule 6: Be persuasive.

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.

What does a mediation brief include?

The mediation brief should describe in some detail the relationship between the parties: its duration; whether it is ongoing; how they have dealt with previous disputes; whether a party represents a wider constituency of stakeholders and what the broader interests of that group are; and the existence of any coalitions ...