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
Continue readingOpen With Strength – The power of opening remarks in mediation!
Many lawyers often want to do away with opening statements in the mediation process, believing they are nothing more than formalities that get the backs up of each party and heighten tensions. This thinking suggests that whatever one side hears from the other is going to offend, insult and agitate; so why start a mediation
Continue readingAppointed as Director on the Board of the ADR Institute of Ontario.
I am pleased to announce that I have been appointed to be a Director on the Board of The ADR Institute of Ontario. I look forward to serving on the Board and advancing the use and practice of dispute resolution in Ontario. I also welcome any feedback and ideas on how ADRIO can better fulfil its
Continue readingFive Tips To Become A More Successful Negotiator
Five Tips To Become A More Successful Negotiator There are a few good reminders in this article. https://lnkd.in/dE_sTDu I especially agree with the reminders to prepare and to listen more than you talk.
Continue readingPresentation & Discussion on Arbitration & Mediation Best Practices
I wanted to thank Geoffrey Keating for inviting me to speak about Arbitration & Mediation Best Practices at Kostyniuk and Greenside (http://www.kostyniukandgreenside.com) on July 18, 2018. It was a lively and interactive discussion. It started with a wide range of questions – an “Ask an Adjudicator Session”. We then moved on to cover the following
Continue readingEstablishing rapport with the Mediator may be to the detriment of the Parties
Interesting article about how establishing rapport with the Mediator may be to the detriment of the Parties. According to the article, several recent studies show the more time spent in caucus is associated with parties feeling better about the mediator but also with the parties feeling worse about their situation and the other party. https://lnkd.in/d_7yxsm
Continue readingArbitration Best Practices
Last month I spoke at the ADR Institute of Ontario’s 2018 Professional Development Conference. I ran a workshop on how Mediation tools are essential to running an effective Arbitration. It was a very interactive session. Below is a list of best practices for running an effective Arbitration. I hope it will be helpful to other
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