What is the opening statement of a mediator?

Asked by: Madilyn Maggio  |  Last update: December 20, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (63 votes)

I am a [certified*] mediator trained to assist in resolving disputes such as the one before us today. 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.

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.

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.” Negotiable.

Who makes the opening statement in a mediation?

Opening Statement by Mediators

The mediation begins with a statement by the mediators.

What is the opening statement of an arbitrator?

An effective opening statement has three objectives: to provide the arbitrator with a framework or roadmap of the critical facts, contract provisions, and law of the case; to establish your credibility and build rapport with the arbitrator; and to persuade the arbitrator that your client is right and should win the ...

Mediation Role Play | Mediator Opening Statement

32 related questions found

What is a good opening statement for mediation?

Good afternoon, my name is _______________ and I am serving as your mediator today. I am a [certified*] mediator trained to assist in resolving disputes such as the one before us today. 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.

What is the proper opening statement?

The primary goal of an opening statement is to provide the jury with a roadmap of what they can expect during the trial. It should outline the facts you intend to prove, introduce key evidence, and frame the narrative from your client's perspective.

What is an example of a mediator opening statement?

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.

Who makes the opening statement in mediation?

As mentioned above, the mediator and the parties can give opening statements at a mediation. The opening statement will look very different from the parties' statements regarding the purpose and necessary elements.

How long should a mediation opening statement be?

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 the opening stage of mediation?

Opening statements — The parties describe the dispute and how it affects them. Mediators usually want to hear initial ideas on potential resolutions. The mediator does not permit interruptions by the other party while one party is speaking.

What to say during mediation?

You are trying to persuade the other party and not the mediator, therefore speak directly to him or her. Describe particular behaviour rather than making generalizations. Avoid using words like “always” and “never.” Give concrete examples to illustrate your point of view.

Can mediation lead to a settlement?

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.

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 is a mediator statement?

Historically, mediation statements have been referred to as “position statements,” since they are a summary of demands, as well as an outline of the weaknesses of the other side's legal arguments. With planning and purpose, mediation statements can provide much more value than simply stating a party's position.

Do I have to say anything in mediation?

The mediator will likely have everyone introduce themselves and will explain the process. The mediator will then tell you that discussions during the mediation are privileged and cannot be divulged at a hearing or trial and nothing said at the mediation can be brought up later.

Who starts the opening statement?

An opening statement is made by the attorney for the plaintiff. The attorney for the defendant may then make an opening statement. The purpose of opening statements is to outline to the jury what each side contends the evidence will establish. A general idea of what the case is about is thus presented to the jury.

Who makes the final decision in mediation?

Mediation is a non-binding process. This means that while they're highly qualified with conflict resolution skills and legal knowledge, mediators don't have the power to make a final decision. That is ultimately left to the two arguing parties, who must voluntarily agree to a resolution.

How to start mediation?

The first step in starting mediation is for all parties to agree to the process. Mediation is a voluntary process, which means everyone involved must consent to participate. No one can be forced into mediation against their will. If you're the one proposing mediation, you'll need to present it as a beneficial option.

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.

What should a mediation statement look like?

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 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 is a catchy opening statement?

A hook is an opening statement (which is usually the first sentence) in an essay that attempts to grab the reader's attention so that they want to read on. It can be done by using a few different types of hooks, which are a question, quote, statistic, or anecdote.

What not to do in an opening statement?

TEN DON'TS OF OPENING STATEMENTS
  • DON'T Use Big Words. ...
  • DON'T Ignore Weaknesses of Your Own Case. ...
  • DON'T Attack Opposing Counsel. ...
  • DON'T Argue the Case. ...
  • DON'T Display Affectations. ...
  • DON'T Ignore Your Client. ...
  • DON'T Ignore Jury Instructions. ...
  • DON'T Rush.

Which statement makes a good opening?

Your opening statement should start with a hook that grabs your reader's attention and makes them curious about what's to come. A hook can be a surprising fact, an intriguing question, or a vivid description.