What is the party opening statement in mediation?

Asked by: Jayme Kreiger MD  |  Last update: February 17, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (17 votes)

A party's opening statement should include a summary of the facts in the case to help the parties compare how they see the situation causing the dispute and where some facts overlap. It is important not to go into great detail with the facts because it will be a waste of time. Everyone knows the overall facts.

What is an example of a mediation 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 a mediation?

Opening Statement by Mediators

The mediation begins with a statement by the mediators.

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 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

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What are examples of opening statements?

Some examples:
  • “This is a case about taking chances.”
  • “Mary Jones had a dream and a plan.”
  • “Revenge. That's what this case is all about.”
  • “This is also a case about pain. Mr. Johnson's only companion today is constant pain.”
  • “This is a case about police brutality”

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 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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

What are parties opening statements in mediation?

The opening statements are an opportunity for everyone to lay out the basic premise behind the concerns and issues of the case. It is not a back-and-forth conversation; rather it is a presentation of ideas. For that reason, the mediator does not jump in to ask questions at this point in the process.

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.

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.

Do lawyers talk during mediation?

Your lawyer – and the other party's lawyer – will be doing most of the speaking during mediation. Now, the mediatior may have questions for you, but the mediatior will likely only do so when he or she is meeting privately with you and your lawyer. We have more resources available on the topic of mediation.

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 wear to a mediation?

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.

How to begin mediation?

There are typically six stages of the mediation process:
  1. A Party Shows Interest or Initiates a Straight-in Mediation. ...
  2. Parties Agree to Mediate. ...
  3. Parties Select the Mediator and Schedule the Mediation Date. ...
  4. Parties Submit Pre-Mediation Submissions. ...
  5. Parties, Counsel and Mediator Attend Mediation Session.

What is the success rate of mediation?

Mediation has a 70-80% success rate depending on the forum. As a mediator and from other sources this is a valid statistic. In my experience, in cases where both parties are truly interested in resolution, the result can be 90%. Mediation settles disputes quicker than the time for litigation.

Can a mediator force an outcome?

Although a mediator cannot force an outcome, the process is very often effective. The key is the ability of the mediator to create a more productive discussion than the parties could have had by themselves.

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 an example of a mediator opening statement?

Sample Opening Statement

Mediation provides you with an opportunity to talk with the person with whom you are having a dispute. As mediator, my role is to assist you in talking to each other. It is not my job, nor am I permitted, to decide who is right or wrong, or to tell you how to resolve your conflict.

How long should an opening statement last?

Most opening statements take between 10 and 45 minutes, although, depending on the complexity of the case, some may take longer. Some jurisdictions have developed rules for how long opening statements, as well as closing statements, may be. Other jurisdictions leave such time limitations to the judge's discretion.