CAUCUSMEDIATION—.doc

CAUCUS MEDIATION— PUTTING CONCILIATION BACK INTO THE PROCESS: THE PEACEMAKING APPROACH TO RESOLUTION, PEACE, AND HEALING Richard M. Calkins* Table of Contents I. Introduction 102 II. Background on Mediation 107 III. Mediation Formats 110 IV. The Reasons for the Success of Caucus Mediation 113 V. Goals of Caucus Mediation 125 VI. Format of Caucus Mediation 125 A. Pre-Mediation Contacts 126 B. The Opening Joint Session 126 1. The Mediator’s Opening Remarks 127 2. The Attorney’s Opening Statements 129 C. First Caucus 130 1. Goals of the First Caucus 130 2. Format of the First Caucus 131 a. Strengths of the Case 131 b. Weaknesses of the Case 132 c. Jury Verdict Range—Best Case/Worst Case 133 d. Settlement Discussions 134 e. New Demand or Offer 134 f. Insurance Coverage 135 g. Subrogated Interests, Liens or Debts 136 h. Costs of Litigation 136 D. Subsequent Caucuses 138 E. Final Joint Session 140 F. Continuing the Mediation 141 VII. Qualities of the Mediator/Peacemaker 142 A. Have the Aura of a Peacemaker 142 B. Be Patient 144 C. Be Positive 145 D. Be Persistent 146 E. Be Perceptive 146 F. Be Sensitive 147 G. Be Friendly and Personable 149 H. Be Professional 149 I. Be Neutral 149 J. Be Nonjudgmental 151 K. Keep Confidentiality 153 L. Be Principled 153 VIII. Peacemaker Techniques to Resolve Disputes 154 A. The Art of Agreeing 155 B. The Art of Disagreeing 156 C. Be Actively Supportive 157 D. Show Interest in the Party and Counsel 157 E. Help Develop a Strategy 158 F. Build a Team Concept 158 G. Using Nonconfrontational Language 159 H. Be a Supportive Listener 160 I. Eliciting an Apology and Forgiveness 160 IX. Conclusion 161 I. Introduction Much has been written concerning the difficulties encountered with the American legal system. Critics note the overcrowded courts, long delays, soaring costs, and great stressors both clients and attorneys face. Indeed, in the early 1980s, Chief Justice Warren Burger