John Greer has published an article in the Maryland State Bar Association Bar Bulletin on a creative use of alternative dispute resolution in commercial cases. To help clients prepare for settlement conferences or upcoming critical negotiations, John recommends the use of a professional neutral, like a mediator or an arbitrator, to conduct a mock session. There is nothing like putting a client through a realistic exercise designed to replicate the stresses he or she will feel during the upcoming negotiation. As a result of this experience, clients can prepare a step-by-step plan that anticipates moves and counter-moves. In this way, clients can avoid being knocked off balance and better achieve their goals. The article is reproduced here and may be found in the MSBA Bar Bulletin, vol. XXXV, No. 11, Nov. 15, 2018, https://www.msba.org/content/uploads/sites/7/2018/11/November-2018-Bar-Bulletin-MSBA-D2.pdf.
