The Uschold v NSMG opinion provides another illustration of the post-settlement work that mediation can accomplish when a court must weigh-in on the merits of a mediated agreement.
When the Work of Mediation Extends Beyond a Settlement
Mediation Can (And Must) Embrace Social Distancing
Mediation must adapt now and embrace the distancing.
How An Official Committee Member Breaches Fiduciary Duties–And Pays A Price
By: Donald L Swanson Defendant “seriously breached her fiduciary duties” as a member of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors. Naylor v. Farrell (In re Farrell), 610 B.R. 317, 323 (Bkrtcy.C.D.Cal. 2019). Facts Here’s what happened: Defendant failed to play by the rules. Debtor filed a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Debtor and and his spouse (the... Continue Reading →
Model Local Mediation Rules: A Service of Great Value
By: Donald L. Swanson Every once in a great while, a group of people perform a voluntary service of hard and diligent effort that produces a result of excellence and provides great value to others. That is precisely what a small group of people did in creating model local rules and supporting commentary on bankruptcy mediation.... Continue Reading →
Mandated Mediation: Authorized By Federal Statute
By: Donald L Swanson “Any district court that elects to require the use of alternative dispute resolution . . . may do so only with respect to mediation, . . . “ --From 28 U.S.C. § 652(a)—Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998. The correct view on a Federal court's authority to mandate... Continue Reading →
Are Emotional Arguments Helpful or Harmful in Mediating Commercial Disputes?
By: Donald L Swanson Settlement = Assessment of Risks + Math I made up this unsophisticated formula decades ago to explain what happens when a negotiated settlement occurs in a commercial dispute. What I’ve found, since then, is that the formula holds true in the vast majority of cases—even when emotions and tempers are on edge.... Continue Reading →
Mediation — And the Role of the Small Business Trustee
By: Donald L Swanson “Those with business, managerial, consulting, mediation and operational experience are encouraged to apply.” --From “Solicitation” by U.S. Trustee for Applicants to Serve as Subchapter V Trustees (emphasis added) Back in August of this year, the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 became law. It’s effective date is 180 days later—February 19, 2020.... Continue Reading →
Empirical Studies and the Mediator’s Proposal — A Portal to Decision
By: Donald L. Swanson Let’s try combining a couple empirical studies on unrelated matters to support the following proposition: --The “mediator’s proposal,” as a form of choice delegation, can help parties reach settlement. The proposal becomes a portal or entryway to decision. First Study: Delegating Difficult Choices The first study is titled, “Delegating Decisions: Recruiting Others... Continue Reading →
When Impasse on a Legal Issue Impedes Mediation: An Example of Effective Action
By: Donald L Swanson There is often a tension in mediation that goes something like this: Party of the first part says: We win on a technical legal issue—100% certainty! Party of the second part responds: You do not win on that issue—100% certainty! Party of the first part reacts: Do so! Party of the second... Continue Reading →
Bankruptcy Mediation Training Course — December 2019
By: Donald L. Swanson The American Bankruptcy Institute and St. John’s University School of Law do an annual forty-hour [yes, that’s 40-hour] “Bankruptcy Mediation Training” course in New York City. The next course is coming soon -- it’s scheduled for December 8 – 12, 2019. Here is a schedule and sign-up link. I took... Continue Reading →
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