Meet the parties for a brief pre-joint meeting check-in refers to the interaction that the mediator has with each party individually prior to the joint meeting to ensure that they are ready to participate in the process in an effective and settlement-friendly manner. It also offers an opportunity to discuss any last-minute concerns, questions, or expectations.

Informal and in charge refers to the mediator encouraging informality during the process by creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, while ensuring that he/she controls the actual steps of the process, enforces the rules of procedure, and maintains clear boundaries.

Giving lawyers a voice means actively involving them in the discussion, allowing them to explain the legal context of the case, and ensuring that their clients feel properly represented and advised throughout the process of considering settlement.

The process of clarifying questions refers to the specific questions that the mediator asks all participants in order to uncover relevant data and the parties’ underlying interests.

Foster direct communication involves encouraging parties to communicate directly with and listen to each other’s perspectives by educating them on the importance of establishing direct communication with one another based on mutual respect.

Initiating private sessions during the mediation process is a strategy used at the initiative of the mediator (or at the request of a party) to reduce tension and/or to deepen understanding of any underlying issues that the parties may be uncomfortable discussing in joint sessions, so as to overcome possible stalemates.