Walter Wm. Hofheinz
There is little consensus regarding the appropriate role of the
mediator, other than that the mediator should be "neutral"
in the most often used terminology of the mediator community,
or "impartial" in the terminology of the Civil Practice
and Remedies Code. Typically the impartiality or neutrality of
the mediator is defined in terms of not favoring one party over
the other, of treating the parties symmetrically, and allowing
the parties to reach their own resolution without imposition of
the mediator's judgment as to an appropriate outcome.
It is essential to keep foremost in mind that impartiality
is not the equivalent of "fairness." In fact, by
virtue of neutrality, the mediator is actually proscribed from
seeking a "fair" resolution if the disputants are proceeding
to resolution on some other basis! "A mediator may not impose
his own judgment on the issues for that of the parties."
§154.023 (b). Thus even where there are substantial (or possibly
overwhelming) power or knowledge differences between the disputants
(or their lawyers), it is not within the mediator's role to in
any way mitigate the disparity. While there is a difference of
opinion regarding the ethical obligation of the mediator when
faced with gross disparities of knowledge or power, ranging from
a belief that discontinuance of the mediation is never appropriate
so long as the parties are making progress toward resolution to
discontinuance of the mediation, where the disparity is not overwhelming
there is a consensus that no intervention is appropriate.
The mediator is an advocate for resolution while remaining
neutral, thus §154.053 (a) of the Texas Civil Practice and
Remedies Code provides in pertinent part that "A person appointed
to facilitate an alternative dispute resolution procedure under
this subchapter shall encourage and assist the parties in reaching
a settlement of their dispute but may not compel or coerce
the parties to enter into a settlement agreement." (emphasis
added) Rules and assurances which the mediator may choose to provide
are designed to enhance the probability of resolution, although
they may also incidentally enhance a misperception, particularly
on the part of disputants, that the mediator is interested in
fairness. Examples of such rules and assurances include prohibitions
on threats of physical violence, agreements to civil communication
without interruption, agreement that only the mediator may determine
when an impasse has occurred, and assurance that each disputant
will have the full opportunity to be heard. Even such rules are
enforced solely in the discretion of the mediator; the mediator
may choose to modify or discard them if useful in working toward
the goal of resolution.
In working toward the goal of resolution, the mediator's currency
is risk-risk as perceived by the disputants. Thus the role of
the mediator will include actions and communications intended
to enhance the disputants' perception of risk associated with
not reaching a resolution as a result of the mediation; in a similar
vein, the mediator will divert attention from risks associated
with reaching a resolution during mediation. As noted above, it
is not within the purview of the mediator to mitigate disparities
of power or knowledge. In fact, there are strong incentives in
creating a perception of risk to focus on the weaknesses of the
disputant or his or her case, often exacerbating a power or knowledge
differential which may be present.
The mediator facilitates communication. In cooperating or resisting the facilitation of communication by the mediator, the advocate must continuously bear in mind that the mediator is seeking to achieve resolution, and is directing the communication between the parties toward that end. A mediator will typically be granted substantial discretion over the timing of disclosure of confidential information revealed by the adverse disputant in caucus, such as material facts and settlement positions, as well as disclosable information. In addition, the mediator will be selective about the sequence and content of information conveyed, in order to guide discussion along lines intended to be productive of resolution.
Each of these aspects of the role of the mediator-neutrality but
not fairness, orientation toward immediate resolution, enhanced
perception of risk on the part of the disputants (and their counsel),
and substantial control over the flow and contents of communications
between the disputants-is important in enhancing the perception
of the risk/benefit analysis affecting settlement opportunities.
While a complete discussion of planning a negotiation (which is
what a mediation is, of course), is well beyond the scope and
capacity of this outline, it will be helpful to discuss some of
the steps of greatest importance.
The focus of the mediator's enhancement of perceived risk should
be the client's true interests, in order of their apparent important.
Unless the advocate representing the disputant is very skilled,
it is likely to be necessary to "read between the lines"
to determine the true interests of the disputants. Each party's
true interests may or may not be his or her stated interest. If
the attorneys have framed the dispute as a strictly legal problem,
and the parties' true interest is in maintaining a working business
or family relationship, the true interests of the parties will
have a significant effect on the strategy adopted.
Connected with, but not identical to the identification of
the true interests of the disputants, is identification of extrinsic
constraints on the agreement which may be reached. For example,
a disputant may have a strong interest in maintaining a business
or family relationship, but not have the economic resources available
to meet the stated economic interests of the other party.
Two determinations which often can be valuable in allowing
disputants to particularize and make more definite the risks and
rewards of a given strategy are the "Best Alternative to
a Negotiated Agreement" (BATNA), and the "Worst Alternative
to a Negotiated Agreement" (WATNA). The BATNA and WATNA,
in conjunction with external constraints, also establish the parameters
for an acceptable settlement. Analysis of the BATNA and WATNA
of the opposing disputants in conjunction with an evaluation of
their external constraints may suggest a probable range of agreement.
A realistic discussion of the best and worst possible outcomes
if no agreement is reached will assist in a realistic risk assessment
by the disputants, and an informed decision regarding settlement
alternatives.
Unexpected risks are likely to create a greater perception of
uncertainty that those which are known. Thus initial discussions
should focus on the disputant's analysis of the case and the risks
associated with settlement or proceeding through litigation. Role
reversal can be an effective tool for allowing the disputants
and their counsel to think through, present, and internalize known
risks. In addition, however, it can allow the mediator to determine
if additional unexpected risks may be present.
Carefully plan the structure and sequence of disclosures and negotiating
positions in order to effectively to set up momentum and to communicate
information to other side in the sequence desired. Intentionally
choose what to disclose, what to withhold, and when to change.
Nudge the disputants toward an item by item agreement, rather
than trying to negotiate a package agreement. The momentum created
by repeated agreement regarding matters which are really uncontested
or not of consequence can be of great benefit as the mediation
proceeds into negotiation of the difficult issues presented, since
such agreements can give the mediator something to work with in
bartering a perceived exchange of value, or even a simple perception
of give and take.
Where there are substantial power disparities between the parties,
use techniques designed to diminish or enhance the effect on the
negotiations of those power disparities or adverse relational
patterns. Some actions which can effectively disrupt an enhancement
of a client's weakness include interrupting the discourse, assertively
reinforcing the client's rights, and requesting a recess to reorient
the client, thus the mediator should discreetly attempt to maintain
control of process pacing and focus.
It is often useful to have a draft settlement agreement prepared
prior to mediation, possibly with blanks for amounts or other
negotiable positions, for use during and at the conclusion of
the mediation. Such a draft may also serve as a checklist for
issues to be resolved.