In this exclusive interview, San Diego Dispute Resolution expert Melissa Kinzler shares how she addresses both corporate conflicts and international disputes where they intersect—helping leaders overcome complex challenges to reach lasting resolutions. Learn how she transforms high-stakes conflicts into collaborative success and discover the pivotal moments that shaped her career.
In "Mediating Against The Clock," Melissa Kinzler examines the unique pressures of time-sensitive negotiations and the potential pitfalls of rushing to agreements. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on underlying interests, using objective standards, and streamlining communication to mitigate risks like positional bargaining and eroded trust. Kinzler provides practical strategies for balancing the need for efficiency with the pursuit of long-lasting, meaningful outcomes, even when time is limited.
In every conversation you are unconsciously having three (3) distinct conversations in the background- so why not prepare and navigate them to your advantage? This dynamic and interactive 45-min presentation is designed for litigation attorneys, trial attorneys, negotiators, and ADR professionals who seek to deepen their understanding of negotiation and mediation beyond conventional adversarial approaches. Participants will explore introduction to the transformative Three Conversations framework—What Happened, Feelings, and Identity—adapted from the principles set forth in the seminal book "Difficult Conversations" by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen.
Throughout the course, attendees will engage with complex case studies, such as a high-stakes commercial dispute involving a tech startup in Los Angeles, to see firsthand how traditional adversarial tactics often fail to address the underlying complexities of legal conflicts. The course emphasizes a shift from blame-oriented dialogue to a more nuanced approach that uncovers the true narrative, recognizes emotional underpinnings, and respects the identity concerns of all parties involved.
Crafting Effective Settlement Offers and Managing Multi-Party Settlements
In this continuing legal education session, we will focus on the strategic and practical aspects of crafting effective settlement offers and navigating the complexities of multi-party negotiations. Drawing upon best practices we will explore how to structure offers that address underlying interests, integrate non-monetary value, and maintain credibility in the eyes of all stakeholders.
We will also discuss methods for managing multi-party dynamics, such as forming coalitions, sequencing proposals, and employing joint fact-finding, to facilitate efficient, durable settlements. By the end, participants will be equipped with tools and techniques to finalize settlement agreements that are both enforceable and future-proofed against unforeseen challenges.
Key topics to be discussed:
Crafting and presenting the settlement offer
Special considerations for multi-party settlements
Navigating settlement agreements