How long should a mediation opening statement be?

Asked by: Salvador Prosacco  |  Last update: July 10, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (55 votes)

Opening statements typically run one to three minutes in length and rarely more than five minutes. Opening statements will be longer if many questions are asked or if the function of the opening state- ment must also fulfill goals of educating the disputants about some aspect of mediation.

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.

How long is an opening statement supposed to be?

The opening statement should not contain argument; rather, it should be a factual statement that lasts from 10 to 30 minutes. Follow these guidelines to craft a winning and engaging opening statement that juries will remember.

How long should a mediation statement be?

Mediation statements are designed to be a brief (5 pages or less) summary of the background of the case, what the party is seeking to accomplish in mediation, relevant market standards and statutes to inform and persuade, and any areas where the parties might focus their attention to build an agreement.

How do you start a mediation statement?

How To Draft A Mediation Brief
  • 1) A short description of the case and the key legal and factual issues.
  • 2) Status of the litigation.
  • 3) A summary of settlement discussions to date, if any.
  • 4) Roadblock to Settlement: Describe what you believe to be the current roadblock to settlement.

Mediation Role Play | Mediator Opening Statement

43 related questions found

Who makes the opening statement in a mediation?

Opening Statement by Mediators

The mediation begins with a statement by the mediators.

What is a simple sentence for mediation?

The case is currently in mediation. Have we lost a sense of looking without mediation? He is refusing to go to mediation. The mediation did not lead to a settlement.

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 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.

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.

What is a good example of an opening statement?

Often, the easiest way to present a coherent theme is to state it in a straightforward manner as your introductory sentence: “Ladies and gentlemen, this case is about unfair competition by the defendant.” In other situations, the theme may come out more subtly, as you tell a story that slowly unfolds.

How to begin an opening statement?

Introduction: Begin with a strong opening that grabs attention. This could be a compelling fact, a thought-provoking question, or a brief anecdote related to the case. Case Overview: Provide a concise summary of the case, introducing the main parties involved and the core issues at hand.

What should you not do in opening statements?

DON'T Argue the Case.

Most attempts at argument during opening statement will be the subject of sustained objections. Furthermore, the jurors will sense that you are trying to gain an improper advantage.

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?

How to make an opening statement in negotiation?

How to start a negotiation: Four simple steps to build your...
  1. Start by collecting information. ...
  2. Sort your information into “facts” and “norms” ...
  3. Decide what information you and your counterpart agree on (or not) ...
  4. Build your opening argument. ...
  5. In conclusion…

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 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.

What is the hardest 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. Most disputes tend to be very personal and some people want their day in court, whatever the cost.

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 to include in a mediation opening statement?

The most important elements of your opening are to clarify what participants may and may not expect when mediating with you, to assure the parties that you are there to listen and to assist them in resolving their dispute, and to bring your authentic self to the table.

What is the introduction of mediation?

"Mediation” is a process in which a mediator facilitates communication and negotiation between parties to assist them in reaching a voluntary win- win resolution to their conflict. “We all have a responsibility here to resolve this.”

What makes a good mediation statement?

A mediation statement should distill the issues in the case. Less is always more. Start with a single paragraph identifying the parties and summarizing the claims. Provide a concise summary of the key facts without the gory details, as objectively as possible.

What is a good sentence for mediator?

Only in eleven of the 360 cases examined in my study, for example, was there any mention of mediator involvement in formulating the agreement. When he was placed in the middle as a mediator, he contributed to the smooth ending by accommodating to both sides.

What is a good example of mediation?

Here is an examples of a scenario that can benefit from mediation: Two community activists assigned to work in the same neighborhood disagree about how to interact with residents and aren't working well together as a result of the disagreement. The entire group can sense the tension between the two.

What do I say in mediation?

UNDERSTANDING THE OTHER PERSON'S POINT OF VIEW . . .

You could probably describe how the other person has acted and how her/his behavior has affected you. And, you could probably name the most important issues to you in the dispute. All of that is good because you will need to discuss these things in mediation.