Program Details
2026-08-06 13:00:00
Over 1,000+ webinars
Course Overview
2026-08-06 13:00:00
2h CLE Credits
Intermediate
2
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ESTThis session offers a comprehensive walkthrough of the mediation process, from initial consideration through the negotiation strategies that drive resolution. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of what mediation is—and, just as importantly, what it is not—along with practical guidance on identifying the scenarios in which mediation should be considered as a path to resolving a dispute. The presentation will explore the benefits of mediation as an alternative to litigation, including cost savings, efficiency, confidentiality, and party control over outcomes. Attention will be paid to effective preparation for both counsel and clients, covering best practices for mediation briefing and the strategic presentation of exhibits. Finally, the program will demystify the mechanics of the mediation event itself, walking attendees through how a typical mediation day unfolds—from opening sessions and private caucuses to bracketing and other negotiation techniques used to bridge the gap and reach settlement.
Michael B. Murphy 2:10 pm - 3:10 pm ESTThis session is designed to teach attorneys and mediators how to effectively use brackets in settlement mediations. It begins by defining what brackets are and then explains how brackets can help narrow settlement gaps, when brackets are best used, and the pitfalls of brackets. The presentation breaks down the less accessible parts of brackets, such as tracking midpoints vs. endpoints, figuring out who proposes a bracket, who moves next, etc. so that attorneys who wish to use brackets no longer need to be intimidated by them. Finally, the presentation will also cover the mechanics of blind/confidential brackets and give attorneys many practical takeaways that will increase their fluency with this very valuable mediation tool.
Diana MaierMichael B. Murphy is a mediator, arbitrator, court-appointed neutral (referee/special master) and neutral evaluator with JAMS, with home offices in San Francisco and Northern California. An internationally recognized attorney, he brings more than 40 years of experience in matters ranging from straightforward to complex and high-value, across the United States and abroad, spanning insurance, construction, professional liability, personal injury, mass tort, energy, entertainment, sports, class action, and international and cross-border disputes. His participation in alternative dispute resolution over four decades reaches back to the very genesis of modern ADR practice.
Diana Maier is a mediator with Signature Resolution, based in San Francisco and available for both virtual and in-person hearings. With nearly 30 years of legal experience spanning the policy arena, the courtroom, the workplace, and the mediation table, she specializes in employment disputes and commercial conflicts, with practice areas including business and commercial contracts, class action, PAGA, intellectual property, real estate, landlord/tenant, and probate/trust and estates matters. Throughout her career, her focus has been on translating conflict into meaningful progress — creating a mediation environment where parties feel heard, enabling movement past adversarial positions toward durable solutions.
Michael B. Murphy is a mediator, arbitrator, court-appointed neutral (referee/special master) and neutral evaluator with JAMS, with home offices in San Francisco and Northern California. An internationally recognized attorney, he brings more than 40 years of experience in matters ranging from straightforward to complex and high-value, across the United States and abroad, spanning insurance, construction, professional liability, personal injury, mass tort, energy, entertainment, sports, class action, and international and cross-border disputes. His participation in alternative dispute resolution over four decades reaches back to the very genesis of modern ADR practice.
Diana Maier is a mediator with Signature Resolution, based in San Francisco and available for both virtual and in-person hearings. With nearly 30 years of legal experience spanning the policy arena, the courtroom, the workplace, and the mediation table, she specializes in employment disputes and commercial conflicts, with practice areas including business and commercial contracts, class action, PAGA, intellectual property, real estate, landlord/tenant, and probate/trust and estates matters. Throughout her career, her focus has been on translating conflict into meaningful progress — creating a mediation environment where parties feel heard, enabling movement past adversarial positions toward durable solutions.
Requirements
The Alabama State Bar MCLE Commission requires attorneys to complete 12 credits, including 1 ethics, by December 31 of each year. All credits must be reported by February 15 of the following year. A maximum of 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried over for 1 year only.
Formats
