They only last for a few hours, but half-day mediations are more and more popular. And for an excellent reason. You might get a lot accomplished in a small amount of time and investment. From my experience and in conversations with counsel, they work best for more straight forward files with a limited amount of
Continue readingJuly 2020 Newsletter
This morning, I sent my July 2020 Newsletter to all of my subscribers. Here are some highlights: Times of upcoming availability for the coming months A new blog on making the most of mediation over the phone . Arbitrations / Loss Transfer & Priority Diputes Mediation Tip of the Month Sing up for the next
Continue readingCan an Arbitrator Demand a Virtual Hearing?
In light of social distancing required by COVID-19 and the uncertainty as to when it will be safe to congregate in person again, questions abound as arbitrators navigate the shift toward a new digital normal. The short answer is it depends. With rare exceptions, parties who agree to arbitrate their commercial disputes naturally assume the
Continue readingMAKE THE MOST OF MEDIATING ONLINE OR OVER THE PHONE
Counsel today need to be comfortable mediating online or by teleconference with their parties if they’re to move files forward. You’d be surprised how much you can get accomplished with web or phone mediation, if you follow some best practices. TIP #1: CREATE THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT Take the time and set things up for a
Continue readingMoving Forward! Mediate via Zoom or Teleconference
In this new normal, wherever possible we should do what we can to keep moving forward. I have extensive experience mediating matters by teleconference and online. Please reach out to either book a new mediation or convert a previously booked one to proceed via teleconference or online during this time of social distancing. Book a
Continue readingMediation from a Client’s Perspective
Glad to have co-chaired this event at OBA Insitute 2020. Very thankful to my co-chair Megan Keenberg, Van Kralingen & Keenberg LLP and our panel: Randi Nixon, Director, Ontario Casualty & Litigation at Northbridge Financial Corporation and Bill Aziz, Advisory Board Member at Fengate Asset Management for making it such a valuable program.
Continue readingGetting the Most Out of Your Mediations in 2020
A new year is a time for reflection and resolutions. We seek to better ourselves personally and turn our mind to our professional practices as well. As counsel, you ask yourself how you can run your files differently than in the past and set up your practice in the new year for continued success. While
Continue readingRe-elected to the Board of Directors, ADR Institute of Ontario
I wish to thank the membership of the ADR Institute of Ontario for electing me to serve another term on the Board of Directors. I will continue to work hard in this role and welcome input from all members on how ADRIO can best support them. Having established the Mediator Mastermind program, I will continue
Continue readingJoining the Board of Directors, Children’s Aid Society of Toronto
Joining the Board of Directors, Children’s Aid Society of Toronto Placing the needs of children and youth first I am very pleased to share the news that on June 20, 2019, I will be joining the Board of Directors of the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. I have a personal connection with CAST and a
Continue readingNeed to Resolve a Dispute?
Need to resolve a dispute? Toronto-based Schnapp Dispute Resolution helps organizations, lawyers and individuals resolve disputes successfully, quickly and cost-effectively. In my career, I’ve had the opportunity to wear a number of hats: litigator, mediator, arbitrator, workplace investigator, coach, and ombudsman. My passion for dispute resolution and ability to interact with individuals at all levels
Continue readingDo you always need to investigate a workplace issue?
The short and often heard answer from a lawyer is: “It depends”. And in this case, it is an accurate answer. The situation and specific circumstances an employer is dealing with will determine whether or not a formal workplace investigation must be undertaken. When a workplace investigation is not necessary A minor challenge, attitudinal
Continue readingGoogle Ditches Mandatory Employee Arbitration Policy
When employees take a stand, an employer can be persuaded to change a policy. Mandatory Arbitration concerning employee issues allows organizations to avoid embarrassment by hiding misconduct that would otherwise be made public in court. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimelsesser/2019/02/22/google-ditches-mandatory-arbitration-policy/#44ac84465a1f
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