For more than 25 years, Ron Kelly has used a novel and extensive method of preparing parties and counsel for effective mediation. Eventually it served as a model for the ABA’s current handouts on preparing for mediation. In 1991, Ron first experimented with this approach and was amazed at how well it worked. Ever since, he’s required the parties themselves to complete a 20-question written questionnaire, and to submit it in place of mediation briefs. He has then held an extensive separate phone caucus with each side – parties together with their counsel – prior to the mediation hearing, to review the answers and prepare them for productive negotiation. Ron will provide examples of two large commercial cases where this approach radically changed the parties’ attitudes before they convened for the mediation.

About Ron Kelly: Honored with ten major ADR awards, Ron is one of the principal architects of California mediation law. He designed and conducts both BASF’s and UC Berkeley’s regular mediation trainings for lawyers, judges and business professionals. Ron is a professional mediator and arbitrator in Berkeley (www.ronkelly.com).