I’m a Certified Mediator: So What?
You may notice that I am now referring to myself as a Certified Professional Mediator. What does that mean? It doesn’t mean that I’ve...
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jeffsmootlaw
Oct 4, 20232 min read
Resolve Attorney's Fee Disputes Early!
I recently completed the California State Bar Mandatory Fee Arbitration Training. Why California? Because they have one, that’s why....
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jeffsmootlaw
Sep 15, 20232 min read
Don’t Be a Roadblock to Your Client’s Successful Mediation
“This case would settle if it wasn’t for that darn lawyer.” I’ve heard it said more than once, and sometimes it’s true. After hours of...
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jeffsmootlaw
Sep 14, 20234 min read
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare for Mediation Success
As a lawyer, I know if I want to help my client win at trial, I have to prepare. The same is true with mediation; being prepared and...
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jeffsmootlaw
Sep 6, 20233 min read
Bankruptcy Attorneys Make Great Mediators: Here's Why
I recently co-mediated a high-value family dispute with another bankruptcy lawyer. We made a good team. Even though the case had nothing...
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jeffsmootlaw
Jan 24, 20235 min read
Resolving Impasse in Mediation
It’s self-evident that most parties who participate in mediation do so because they have reached an impasse: They're stuck. They have a...
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jeffsmootlaw
Jan 24, 20234 min read
What Happens In Mediation Stays in Mediation
Confidentiality is one of the most-important aspects of the mediation process. In the context of mediation, confidentiality means that...
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jeffsmootlaw
Jan 20, 20233 min read
In-Person or Remote Mediation: Which is Best?
Back in ancient times before the COVID-19 pandemic, like nearly everything else, mediation was done in-person. The parties would meet at...
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jeffsmootlaw
Jan 18, 20233 min read
Mediation vs. Litigation: Who Will Win?
When it comes to resolving disputes, especially legal disputes, most people’s first thought is litigation: suing the other party and...
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jeffsmootlaw
Dec 15, 20221 min read
Volunteer Mediation: Not Just Rewarding
“Surprisingly, plenty of lawyers find that training and volunteering as a mediator is a rewarding way to spend their time.” So says Kayla...
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