Ken Strongman, Esq. – Mediator

Tag: kenneth strongman

  • FAQ: What are some the qualifications of a good mediator? Part I

    I have often been asked what the qualifications of a good mediator are. My answer is self serving but true. I have worked hard to make sure that I am the best qualified to mediate a case. Remember it is not bragging if true. So as to not bore you with all of the qualifications…

  • Communication skills are important in resolving conflicts

      “Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively.” — Gerald R. Ford, 38th President of the United States   Good communication is the most important tool for resolving conflicts.  Listening is the key to good communication.  Use your ears more than your mouth.  Encourage others to talk but offer no…

  • FAQ: What is the format of a mediation?

    What is the format of a mediation? What is the format of a mediation? The process is entirely flexible and will depend on the mediator and the parties’ preferences. In general terms, it is preferable that position papers are exchanged in advance. Depending on what stage in the dispute the mediation takes place, it may…

  • Social Media Marketing & the Legal Professional

    Project Social Media Project Social Media presents my thoughts regarding the impact of social media marketing on the practice of law. When I first started my mediation practice, out of necessity I was forced to research and learn how to use social media to market my practice. My learning process has been pretty much trial…

  • A handy tool for resolving conflicts.

    A very handy tool for approaching any conflict situation that needs to be resolved is E.A.R.  Ask the people involved to: Express – What you want and what are you doing to get it. Address – Why it is working or not working. Resolve – What ways there are to solve the situation. **For the…

  • FAQ: Can you settle a case after a jury has decided a case?

    Can you settle a case after a jury has decided a case? As part of my full spectrum of dispute resolution services, I offer Appellate Mediation. My considerable experience in this area started in 2007.  I currently serve on the mediation panels for the First and Third Districts of the California Court of Appeal.  In…

  • If you can’t get people to do anything, how to you resolve conflicts.

    In my leadership training on conflict resolution, I have the participates conduct a closed fist exercise.  The participants pair off.  One forms a fist and the other has three minutes to convince them to open their fists. In the debriefing time we discuss how they managed to convince the other to open their fists.   The…

  • FAQ: How to propose mediation?

    A Judge may recommend that the parties consider mediation or, more commonly, one party may simply propose, through their legal representatives to the other party and their legal representative, that the dispute be mediated. A proposal to mediate should not be seen as a weakness but merely as a willingness to explore the possibility of…

  • Listening is the best way to resolve conflicts.

    The better the information you have, the greater your chances of finding a workable solution.  Listen carefully to what others are saying, not judging until you hear everyone’s story.  Be aware of tone of voice, body language, and other clues.  Understand what each person is expressing – what he wants and what he is willing…

  • FAQ: How to propose mediation?

    How to Propose Mediation – Options A Judge may recommend that the parties consider mediation or, more commonly, one party may simply propose, through their legal representatives to the other party and their legal representative, that the dispute be mediated. A proposal to mediate should not be seen as a weakness but merely as a…