A Personal Note from Linda Meyer

In thinking about what distinguishes me from other mediators, I would say that I have a unique gift of being able to “read a room,” understand and articulate the unspoken considerations and human components which are creating road blocks to reaching a settlement. It is my policy to directly address these issues with empathy and firmness, using my legal expertise as a necessary and effective component in assessing risk and moving parties beyond the conflict to a settlement. In addition to basic disputes, my clients generally call on my expertise for their most challenging and difficult cases, the ones they consider most unlikely to settle, trusting that I will work on both the surface and hidden considerations in order to reach a deal.

The process I use to reach resolution has undergone much change over the years. It has evolved as a result of my clients’ needs, my own personal growth and a changing marketplace where mediation has become a staple in the litigation process. I look at each case individually, considering the players and the history and let the lawyers decide if a joint session or private meetings and shuttle diplomacy will be most effective. I have learned that I can work on the emotional and personal considerations in either format to move clients toward a reasoned settlement.

The most important skill I bring to the table is my ability to communicate and help each side understand how they are seen by the other. This approach is not just designed to have the parties consider jury appeal and legal risk in a courtroom, but also helps individuals appreciate each side’s perspective and the reasoning behind their settlement positions in the negotiation. With a 98% settlement rate, I know that the ability to settle a case is essential if one is to be considered an effective mediator. Settlement, however, is not my only goal. When I transitioned from the role of litigator to mediator, I made a commitment to be of service to others while honoring myself and being passionate about my work. I genuinely want clients to leave the negotiating table feeling heard and understood, creating a deal which they appreciate and have genuinely committed to.