Introduction: When Virtual Mediation Became the Only Mediation 

In March of 2020, when state-wide coronavirus lockdowns began in earnest, litigations confronted the fact that practically everything on the schedule — depositions, mediations, and court appearances — had been canceled. To ensure we could continue to serve our clients, move matters to resolution (and frankly, stay in business), it was crucial to pivot to virtual versions of these typically in-person affairs.

This meant learning new technology, and for some of us, the learning curve was steep. The good news is that for the most part, we met the challenge. This is especially true for mediation. After steadily growing in popularity over the past few decades, mediation is now an integral part of litigation practice. Virtual mediation provided a practical way to resolve disputes in a timely manner without exposure to the coronavirus. Out of necessity, the star of virtual mediation began to rise.

Republished with permission. The full article for, "A New Tool for Resolving Litigation: The Benefits and Pitfalls of Virtual Mediations," was published in the Winter 2021 issue of The Mississippi Lawyer Magazine Vol. 67, No. 2 and can be accessed here.