Never Offer to “Split the Difference”
As negotiating parties narrow the gap between them, it is often tempting to offer to “split the difference.” No matter how small that difference is,
Issue Ultimatums Sparingly
The problem with an ultimatum is that it may restrict the options of the party issuing it. When you tell your adversary at a mediation,
Backwards Moves Are Counterproductive
Backwards moves are counterproductive and can be justified only by a dramatic and unforeseen change in information or circumstances. When a party has made an
Bring a Draft Settlement Agreement to the Mediation
Prepare a fill-in-the-blanks draft settlement agreement and bring it with you to the mediation. After a long day negotiating, it may be difficult to remember
When Negotiating a Complex Settlement Agreement Have a Transactional Lawyer Available to Assist You
Almost any trial lawyer can draft an adequate settlement agreement in a typical civil case where one party pays the other some amount of money,
Don’t Fail to Include Necessary Disclaimers in a Settlement Agreement
A party to a mediated settlement agreement agrees only to the terms of the agreement. Each party typically makes concessions without admitting that it is