Logistics
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John can do mediations in person or over Zoom. There are pros and cons to each, but the cost is usually the same.
In-person mediations
Traditional mediations involve having everyone in the same building, usually in separate conference rooms. The mediator shuttles between them, sometimes gathering everyone together for a joint session.
Some people are more comfortable talking in person than over video. And the physical immediacy of everyone being in the same building can focus the mind and help create a dynamic toward resolution. There can be something compelling about the knowledge that by the time the participants leave the building and breathe fresh air, the dispute could be settled.
When John arranges the venue, his preferred location for in-person mediations in Santa Barbara is the University Club, which is close to downtown. It offers a quiet, peaceful setting, with gardens and catering when needed. The cost of this venue is included in his rates. But he can also arrange conference rooms elsewhere. And sometimes mediations take place in lawyers’ offices.
Zoom mediations
During the pandemic, mediations using Zoom and similar video conferencing platforms grew out of necessity. But they have remained popular even after the pandemic eased.
Mediations via Zoom can be very effective. They can replicate the essence of an in-person mediation, with “virtual breakout rooms” for each side and “rooms” for joint sessions and other caucusing. The task of the mediator is to ensure the settlement dynamic that can build when everyone is in the same building carries over into the virtual arena.
Zoom mediations can have unique advantages over in-person ones. They can be easier to arrange, and less costly and burdensome if they avoid the need for travel. Sometimes, parties are more comfortable taking part from their home or office. And this can help keep everyone engaged in the process and willing to stay the course. So some people have come to prefer Zoom mediations to the traditional variety.
Hybrid mediations
Some mediations end up as a hybrid. For example, if a case does not settle at an in-person session, but significant progress has been made, a follow-up Zoom session on another day might be what it takes to get it resolved.
In-person mediations
Traditional mediations involve having everyone in the same building, usually in separate conference rooms. The mediator shuttles between them, sometimes gathering everyone together for a joint session.
Some people are more comfortable talking in person than over video. And the physical immediacy of everyone being in the same building can focus the mind and help create a dynamic toward resolution. There can be something compelling about the knowledge that by the time the participants leave the building and breathe fresh air, the dispute could be settled.
When John arranges the venue, his preferred location for in-person mediations in Santa Barbara is the University Club, which is close to downtown. It offers a quiet, peaceful setting, with gardens and catering when needed. The cost of this venue is included in his rates. But he can also arrange conference rooms elsewhere. And sometimes mediations take place in lawyers’ offices.
Zoom mediations
During the pandemic, mediations using Zoom and similar video conferencing platforms grew out of necessity. But they have remained popular even after the pandemic eased.
Mediations via Zoom can be very effective. They can replicate the essence of an in-person mediation, with “virtual breakout rooms” for each side and “rooms” for joint sessions and other caucusing. The task of the mediator is to ensure the settlement dynamic that can build when everyone is in the same building carries over into the virtual arena.
Zoom mediations can have unique advantages over in-person ones. They can be easier to arrange, and less costly and burdensome if they avoid the need for travel. Sometimes, parties are more comfortable taking part from their home or office. And this can help keep everyone engaged in the process and willing to stay the course. So some people have come to prefer Zoom mediations to the traditional variety.
Hybrid mediations
Some mediations end up as a hybrid. For example, if a case does not settle at an in-person session, but significant progress has been made, a follow-up Zoom session on another day might be what it takes to get it resolved.