In furtherance of our study of mediation technique and the prettiness of our craft, see below.
From: Mediator
Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2022 2:09 PM
To: Karen Koehler <karenk@stritmatter.com>
Subject: Re: Mediation of A v. B 6/1/2022, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hi Karen,
I spoke with R.L. on another matter and he advised that Allstate has re-evaluated after the mediation and is ready to re-engage in negotiations.
Read MoreFrom: M
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2021 11:23 AM
Hi Joe, Karen, and Ray:
Despite our failed mediation, I am still confident we can get this resolved. After mediation, I ran several different settlement numbers through the L&I formula to show S’s carrier how much each settlement number would yield to J. As much as you want to get paid, I’m sure your focus is getting a reasonable amount in J’s pocket.
Client has travelled from Idaho with Co-counsel. Two different plane delays. Epic rainfall in Seattle. Not a joy for them.
Defense lawyer and insurance adjuster in one conference room.
Client, co-counsel, Lisa and I are in another. We spend about 45 minutes with the mediator. She leaves to meet with the defense. And is gone. For a long time.
Read MoreWalks in and is already flustered.
Doesn’t ask your client how they are doing.
Isn’t familiar with the details of your clients’ injuries
Patience is not always a virtue.
I have walked, trounced, and even skipped out of mediations before they've officially ended. In fact, that used to be the norm for me.
About 15 years ago I was in the car, driving back over the bridge when the phone rang.
Read MoreThe alarm is ringing. Try to ignore it, but know cannot. Look at the phone/clock and it is 4:30. As in a.m. Put on ugly red glasses. Only wear them when no one can see me. Like now. Lie there til 4:45. Finally jump up because have to make a plane. Open the drapes. There is a gigantic full moon that seems to be shining a path across puget sound right into my bedroom.
Rush around. Put on black clothing. Tell Nala to get up. Out the door. Drop her at doggie daycare. Make it to the airport by 6. Stand in sluggish security line. Even the special Spokane shuttle line is clogged. No worries. Have time to get a scone and bottle of water from D'Lish.
Read MoreI've walked out of mediations on him countless times, asked for then ignored his advice (countless times but with a smile), gotten mad at him, had him get mad at me. John Cooper is one of the best.
Read MoreI don’t like mediations. Mediators ask me to take back this sentiment. But I’m not repentant. It’s not that I don’t like the mediators. Some of them I absolutely adore. But I dislike the process. In an ideal world I would say – hey we will accept X amount. The insurance company would say – naw, we won’t pay that but we will pay Y amount. And then we would give a thumbs up or down without further dickering. But that is not how it works. It’s all about the dickering.
Read More
