Scheduling & Online Mediation

Scheduling An Online Mediation:

Scheduling an online mediation is just the same as a regular in-person mediation. Simply look at the online calendar here and pick out a date. Email the Mediator to confirm the date is available and note your desire for an online mediation. Just like a regular mediation, you can select a Full Day (8 hour) or Half Day (4 hour) mediation. In less than 24 hours, the Mediator will confirm the date. If you have any questions, you can email: Browningmediation@outlook.com or call 830-308-7555.
Please click here to learn more about the mediation process with Mediator Laura Forsythe Browning

Remote/Online Mediation:

Online mediation or “remote mediation” is simply video conferencing over a secure video link such as Zoom, an “encrypted” video conferencing program. Since the Pandemic, most people have had at least one experience video conferencing with another party. Before the pandemic, remote mediations via Video conference were utilized to enable important parties such as insurance adjusters or certain experts the ability to participate in a mediation without traveling to the actual location of the mediation.

Mediation Package:

Once the online mediation is confirmed via email, the mediator will send an email with an online mediation package to the attorney’s office. The package will include the online mediation agreement and online guidelines, request for case information, and fee instructions. For online mediations, all paperwork and documents will be prepared, circulated and signed electronically. The Mediator uses the e-signing the signing programs DocuSign and the Nitro Pro PDF system. 

Tips For Successful Online Mediations:

– A few hours before the mediation session check to make sure your internet service is working. 

– Log into the Zoom Room at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the mediation. You will be placed in a waiting room. This gives you time to reboot and check internet connections before the session begins. 

– Make sure the electronic device you plan to use is fully charged and you have a charger readily available. 

– As soon as you get the Zoom Invitation immediately confirm the invitation.

– Some people like to use earphones as it cuts down on the noise level for other participants. It does not have to be top quality. 

– Participants should mute their microphones when not speaking if possible. 

– Try to have light in front of you. If a window is behind you, please make sure the shade or blinds are closed. 

– Be thoughtful about what is behind you and what your camera can show, often blinds or white wall is preferred.

– Just as a regular in-person mediations, please let others finish talking before speaking in group sittings. 

– Be sure to have plans on what to drink and eat during the mediation or any mediation breaks. You don’t want to have to go looking for food or drink during a mediation. 

– Try to have a pen and paper close by so you have it ready if you need to take notes and don’t have to hunt for them if needed. Also, having a calculator is handy as well.

Software Requirements For Video Conferencing Via Zoom:

This office uses Zoom.us, because the program is an encrypted video conferencing service. First, there are NO software requirements to use Zoom.us However, the Mediator does encourage each party to download the app if possible. The Zoom program is set up to be as simple as a click of a link sent to you via email. Zoom can be used on your smartphone or any other computer device with a camera and microphone. Prior to your mediation, Ms. Browning will work with each party and attorney to ensure that Zoom is working properly BEFORE the mediation begins.

Ms. Browning will be the host of the Zoom video conference setting up the time and emailing the link to the Zoom video conference. By hosting the mediation, it ensures privacy for all parties and the mediation will be password protected. Zoom conferencing allows each party to have their own “virtual” room, which can allow parties to participate in an entire mediation without seeing each other. The Mediator, as the host of the mediation, will have the ability to move from room to room for caucus/private sessions or the Mediator can bring everyone to one room. If videos or documents have been produced for opening statements, those documents can easily be shared to all parties in a group setting via share screen selection. If an attorney and client wish to talk privately, the Mediator can exit the virtual room without hearing the conversation and allowing the parties to talk privately. 

In most meditations, Ms. Browning likes to start with all parties in the same “conference” room to discuss the mediation rules/process and if needed the parties can separate into their separate virtual rooms after the initial housekeeping conference.

Virtual Waiting Rooms:

At the beginning of each mediation, every party will be placed in a virtual waiting room. A virtual waiting room means the parties will enter the mediation session with their microphones muted and unable to see any other party until the Mediator begins the mediation. This protects parties from unintended confrontations by being placed in a virtual waiting room so that no one is able to discuss or talk until the Mediator begins the conference room to start the mediation.

MEDIATION / ARBITRATION TRAINING

We believe that in order to provide effective and meaningful ADR services, a mediator/arbitrator should consistently train and learn. Below is a list of some of our more meaningful mediation and arbitration trainings

University of Houston Law Center: Houston, Tx

– 40 Hour Basic Mediation Training-September 2015

Institute of Mediation Training: Austin, Tx

– 30 Hour Advanced Family Law Mediation Training-December 2015

Institute of Mediation Training: Austin, Tx

– 20 Hour CPS Mediation Training-April 2017

Association of Attorney-Mediators: Houston, TX

– 7.25 Hour Advanced Attorney-Mediator Training-September 2018

Manousso Mediation & Arbitration, LLC: Houston, TX

– 9 Hour Arbitration Training & Ethics-February 2019

Association of Attorney-Mediators: Charleston, SC

– 7.5 Hour Advanced Mediator Training & Ethics-March 2019

American Bar Association-Alternative Dispute Resolution Section: Philadelphia, Pa

– 9-Hour ABA 12th Annual Arbitration Training Institute-June 2019

American Bar Association-Alternative Dispute Resolution Section: Houston, TX 

12.50 Hour 17th Annual Advanced Mediation and Advocacy Institute-Nov 2019

State Bar of Texas, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section: Austin, Tx

– 6.5 Hour-Advanced Alternative Dispute Resolution 2020- January 2019

Delaware State Bar Association: Webinar via Zoom

– 7.0 Hour-Superior Court Mediation Training Program, Part 1- April 2020

Delaware State Bar Association: Webinar via Zoom

– 7.0 Hour-Superior Court Mediation Training Program, Part II- July 2020

Association of Attorney-Mediators: Webinar via Zoom

– 5.5 Hour Advanced Attorney-Mediator Training-September 2020

Texas Mediator Credentialing Association: Webinar Via Zoom

– 6.25- Hour Advanced Attorney-Mediator Training-October 2020

Delaware Family Court: Webinar Via Zoom

– 6.5- Hour Certification Program for Family Law Mediators Pursuant to Rule 16.3-October 2020

Association of Attorney Mediators: via Zoom.

– 6.5- Hour Advanced Attorney-Mediator Training and CLE Seminar-April 2021

American Bar Association-Alternative Dispute Resolution Section: via Zoom

9-Hour ABA 14th Annual Arbitration Training Institute-June 2021

Delaware State Bar Association-Alternative Dispute Resolution Section: via Zoom

– (Moderator & Presenter) 3.0 Hour- Planning Your Next Arbitration – June 2021

Association of Attorney Mediators: via Zoom.

– 6.25- Hour Advanced Attorney-Mediator Training and CLE Seminar-November 2022

American Bar Association-Alternative Dispute Resolution Section: Chicago, IL (In-Person) 

8.5-Hour ABA, 15th Annual Arbitration Training Institute-June 1-3, 2022