On July 27, 2022, the San Diego FBA presented the final part of a three-part Civil Legal Skills Series: the Ins & Outs of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
The Honorable William McCurine (Ret.), Mediator at Judicate West; Callie Bjurstrom, Partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; and David S. Casey, Jr., Managing Partner and CaseyGerry LLP, served as panelists, and Brett Norris, AUSA, served as the moderator for the event. The group’s extensive litigation and alternative dispute resolution experience resulted in an engaging and educational discussion.
The MCLE addressed a variety of issues practitioners encounter when engaging in alternative dispute resolution, and provided valuable advice to increase the likelihood of success when doing so. The speakers provided advice on how to best set up a case for success at early resolution.
Judge McCurine noted the benefit of early resolution when the anticipated costs of litigation exceed the potential outcome/exposure of a jury/court verdict. The panel discussed the importance of informally exchanging information or conducting sufficient discovery to allow for successful mediation. Everyone agreed that identifying the appropriate neutral is essential for success – someone who has the right experience to understand the issues at play as well as someone that all parties want to work with. The panel acknowledged the depth and quality of the local pool of mediators. With regard to mediation briefs, the consensus was that short, focused briefs that identify key and outstanding issues, and clearly set for the basis for damages are helpful for a successful early resolution.
The written materials are available (insert proper link) and include information on preparing an effective mediation section, and a copy of the most recent newsletter ADR Section of the FBA.
The San Diego FBA thanks these experienced panelists for volunteering their time and sharing their expertise with the community. The San Diego FBA also thanks Chapter President Dylan Aste, Vice President of Legal Education Kim Gregg, and Legal Education Committee members Samantha Itazawa-Corona and Melissa M. Holmes for organizing this event.
The written materials are available here and include information on preparing an effective mediation section, and a copy of the most recent newsletter ADR Section of the FBA.
The San Diego FBA thanks these experienced panelists for volunteering their time and sharing their expertise with the community. The San Diego FBA also thanks Chapter President Dylan Aste, Vice President of Legal Education Kim Gregg, and Legal Education Committee members Samantha Itazawa and Melissa M. Holmes for organizing this event.