I read an article, (link below), which speaks to a common omission in negotiations--thinking about the "other" party's interests, needs and concerns. This article provides good advice that can be applied to any negotiation, mediation, or settlement discussion. In your next negotiation, try to focus on what interests, needs or concerns exist for the other parties; for example, propose a solution to a company's concern that others may jump on the litigation bandwagon if news of

The past several weeks have flown by with a busy schedule of mediations (and I start a week-long arbitration hearing tomorrow). I love what I do and feel blessed to be able to do this work. I find inspiration and learn something from each case, and the amazing people I meet every day. Recently I had several multi-plaintiff employment cases set for mediation. They varied from whistle blowing to wage & hour, disability discrimination, etc.). Not all multi-plaintiff cases need