Is a mediation conference the same as a settlement conference?

Asked by: Jamil Johnston MD  |  Last update: January 13, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (4 votes)

It is important to note that the difference between mediation and settlement conferences is basically one of style. Mediation uses facilitative or interest-based bargaining techniques, and settlement conferences use directive and reality-testing techniques.

Is settlement the same as mediation?

Settlement: Settlement, usually a cost-effective alternative to trial, can be discussed by any party at any time during litigation. Mediation: The parties could negotiate a settlement without outside help, but it is common to involve a “mediator,” which is a neutral third party.

What is the meaning of settlement conference?

The goal of a settlement conference is to facilitate the parties efforts to negotiate a settlement of all or part of the dispute.

What is the average settlement offer during mediation?

The average settlement offer during mediation is typically 20-50% of the damages, affected by factors such as liability, damages, parties' motivation, and the mediator's influence. In the absence of an agreement, a 'Mediator's Proposal' can be introduced as a solution.

What is a mediation conference?

Mediation conferences are conducted by experienced attorney-mediators employed by the Court. The primary purpose is to provide litigants the opportunity to explore settlement, clarify appellate issues, and address procedural matters.

Settlement Conference Versus Mediation 2024 🏛️⚖️ 📜🏢

37 related questions found

Is a mandatory settlement conference the same as mediation?

One of the salient differences between MSCs and mediations is that MSCs are mandatory, while mediations are voluntary. This distinction may seem innocuous, but it will become clear how impactful it can be. In an MSC, the parties must be ordered by the court to appear and pursue settlement of their dispute.

What percentage of cases settle in mediation?

Mediation is also used after a lawsuit has been filed. 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.

How long after mediation will I get my settlement?

How Long After Mediation Will I Get My Money? The timeframe between mediation and receiving your settlement will depend on the circumstances of your case. Typically, it takes around four to six weeks. However, it could take longer or shorter, depending on the size of the claim and the insurer's workload.

What is a good settlement offer?

A reasonable settlement offer is one that includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. While it varies from case to case, an experienced personal injury lawyers can help you find a reasonable amount for your case.

What is a normal settlement amount?

The rough 'rule of thumb' that we generally use to determine the value of the average settlement agreement payout (in respect of compensation for termination of employment) is two to three months' gross salary (in addition to your notice pay, holiday pay etc., as outlined above).

What is the disadvantage of a settlement conference?

CON: You Don't Get 100%:

Depending on the strength of your case and the evidence available to you, the final settlement could be closer to one party's demand or the other. While this is an important consideration, it is often outweighed by the potential benefits of settling.

What to say during a settlement conference?

Oftentimes, clients and their counsel will say, “Judge, what do you think is a fair settlement?”; and “Judge, how do you evaluate the case?” Parties can even take a more aggressive approach, urging me to “convince the other side why they're wrong and why they have no case.” I put them off in the initial caucus by ...

How successful are settlement conferences?

A settlement conference is one way to settle a court case without a trial. In fact, 80% of cases are resolved in this way.

What's next after mediation?

If mediation is successful and the other party agrees to your proposed settlement or makes a counteroffer you accept, the mediator will draft a settlement agreement. You must sign it and, if mediation is court-ordered, file it with the court. When the judge signs off on it, your arrangement becomes legally binding.

Why would a judge order mediation?

Court-Ordered Mediation

This includes disputes over child custody, parenting time, or financial issues like alimony and property division. In these situations, the judge will order or mandate that both parties attend mediation to try to resolve their differences.

Is it better to settle or go to arbitration?

In most cases, arbitration tends to be more cost-effective. While arbitrator's fees can be significant, the overall expenses are generally lower because of limited discovery and quicker resolution.

What is a reasonable settlement offer?

As a general rule of thumb, settlement agreements often range from three to six months' salary, plus notice pay. However, this can vary widely based on: The industry you work in. Your job role and level of seniority. The specific circumstances of your case.

How much money should I ask for in a settlement?

Ask for more than what you think you'll get

There's no precise formula, but it's generally recommended that personal injury plaintiffs ask for about 75% to 100% more than what they hope to receive. In other words, if you think your lawsuit might be worth $10,000, ask for $17,500 to $20,000.

How do I increase my settlement offer?

  1. Prepare Well for the Settlement Agreement Negotiation. ...
  2. Decide which negotiation tactics to use. ...
  3. Ask for a Protected Conversation with your Employer. ...
  4. Don't ask for too much. ...
  5. Don't ask for too little. ...
  6. Find out how the settlement payments will be taxed. ...
  7. Consider non-financial matters. ...
  8. Get a free consultation at an early stage.

Is it better to settle in mediation?

Mediation typically results in settlement when the parties are able to find a resolution to the case that, all things considered, is better for everyone involved than continued litigation. Factors that favor settlement over litigation include speed, cost, certainty, control, risk reduction and flexibility.

How long until I get my settlement check after I agree?

It depends. Usually within 2-3 weeks of signing the release, money should be in if settlement funds are coming from an insurance company. But if you have a government health insurer, work comp lien, or its a settlement against a government entity, it can take some time to finalize those.

What percentage of cases settle at mediation?

In 2022, 1550 cases were referred to the Court's Mediation Program with an average settlement rate of 65%.

How long after mediation is settlement paid?

How Long After Mediation Will I Get My Money? You can expect to receive your settlement check four to six weeks after signing the agreement. However, it might take longer to receive your check if the case is complex. The insurance company will mail your check to your personal injury attorney.

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.

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.