Breakout rooms are one of the most
beneficial features of the Zoom process for
mediations. They simulate an “in-person”
mediation by creating confidential caucus
rooms that allow the parties to speak
privately and use the “ask for help” feature
to request the mediator to return to their
breakout room when they are ready. The
process can be fluid and additional breakout
rooms can be created for an attorney caucus
or for a lawyer to talk with the mediator
outside of the presence of their client.
By mediating via videoconferencing the
participants are able to protect their health
and importantly have the ability to resolve
disputes without having to wait for an
unknown time.
Neutrals use secure online platforms to conduct
virtual mediations and arbitrations with great
success. The Atlanta Bar Dispute Resolution
Section recently hosted a virtual coffee and
conversation on the use of Zoom for mediations.
Miles Mediation & Arbitration is hosting
weekly webinars on virtual ADR and to date has
conducted over 200 mediations and arbitrations
through video conferencing. For mediations
specifically, it is important that the participants
feel comfortable throughout the process. You do
not want the technology to be a distraction or a
frustration the day of the mediation. Therefore,
I suggest walking the lawyers and their clients
through a brief tutorial in advance of the
mediation just to work out any technical glitches
and make sure both are comfortable with the
platform. Zoom is intuitive and easy to use. Our
clients enjoy using it and we have found it to be
very efficient and the next best thing to a face-to-
face mediation.
Jennifer B. Grippa, Esq., Board member of the
Atlanta Bar Dispute Resolution Section, and serves
as a Neutral with Miles Mediation & Arbitration
Ellen Malow, full-time Neutral with Malow
Mediation & Arbitration, Inc.
www.atlantabar.org THE ATLANTA LAWYER
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