When Mediation Makes Sense: A Practitioner's Introduction to Private & Judicial Mediation
Presented by the Connecticut Bar Association Young Lawyers Section | Speaking Engagements
November 17, 2026
WHEN:
November 17, 2026
WHERE:
About the Program
Presented by the Young Lawyers Section as part of the Solo/Small Firm CLE Series, and the Crawford Bar Association, this program will give attorneys practical guidance on when a case is ripe for mediation and which mediation option best serves the client and the matter. The discussion will feature perspectives and insights from a distinguished panel spanning judicial neutrals, seasoned private mediators, and experienced practitioners. It will explore judicial and private mediation, including the benefits, limitations, costs, and strategic considerations of each. Panelists will discuss how attorneys can identify when a matter is ripe for mediation, counsel clients about the decision to mediate, evaluate the value of engaging a private third-party neutral, and approach mediation as part of an effective case strategy. The discussion will emphasize practical considerations attorneys can apply to their own matters, particularly in solo and small-firm practice. Dinner and networking will be from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM. The program will run from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
You Will Learn
- How to identify factual, procedural, and strategic indicators that may signal a case is ripe for mediation
- How to compare judicial mediation and private mediation, including the practical advantages, limitations, costs, and circumstances in which each may be appropriate
- To evaluate when the potential benefits of retaining a private mediator may justify the additional expense to the client.
- About counsel clients regarding whether and when to pursue mediation and set realistic expectations about the process
- How to incorporate mediation strategically into case planning rather than treating It solely as a last step before trial
- How to recognize practical considerations that may affect the likelihood of a productive mediation, including timing, party dynamics, case posture, and selection of a neutral
- How to apply insights from judicial, mediator, and practitioner perspectives when determining the appropriate mediation strategy for a particular matter
Who Should Attend
Attorneys, law students, and legal professionals interested in mediation and how mediation functions in practice.
Speakers
- Jeffrey M. Beck | J. Beck Legal PLLC, West Hartford (Moderator)
- Hon. James W. Abrams (Ret.) | AbramsADR, Hamden
- Hon. Joette Katz (Ret.) | Shipman & Goodwin LLP, Hartford
- Hon. Angela C. Robinson (Ret.) | Quinnipiac University School of Law, Hamden
- Nancy Greenwald | Construction Institute at the University of Hartford, Hartford
- David M. Moore | The Law Offices of David M. Moore, Esq., LLC, Avon
Cost
(Includes Light Dinner & Electronic Materials)
Young Lawyers, Solo/Small, and ADR Section Member $35
Retired Attorney Member $35
Crawford Bar Member $35
Member $45
CLE Pass Holder $15 (you must have purchased the CLE Pass to register as a CLE Pass Holder)
Student Member $0
Non-Member $90
Please log into your account to receive CBA member pricing.
Financial hardship information is available upon request.
Learn more at ctbar.org
