The Changing Landscape of Mediation: Personal Observations Over the Past 40 Years

摘要

I have been asked to reflect upon the origins and the changing landscape of mediation over the past 40 years. I think the reason I have been invited to speak is that I am old-enough-to have been around at the dawning of the age of commercial mediation. So, I am asking you to travel back in time with me-to 1971. I was about to try my first case, representing a defendant in connection with a claim arising from an alleged breach of a long-term supply agreement. Six weeks before trial, the parties and counsel agreed to a one-time meeting to explore settlement.