Mediation skills for lawyers (SOLVE Methodology) Part 2: Exploring the issues in mediation

This two-hour session focuses on the OPENING, LEARNING and VALIDATING phases of the SOLVE methodology, providing lawyers with tools and skills to guide clients toward framing issues with clarity, exploring interests effectively and reaching creative solutions. Participants will learn practical approaches to identifying core interests, reframing positions, and supporting collaborative decision making while making sure that the clients’ interests are protected in situations when there will be no settlement.

Through case analysis and guided discussion, the course illustrates how advocates can move beyond surface disagreements to uncover motivations and priorities that shape negotiated outcomes.

Key learning objectives:

• Apply SOLVE techniques for exploring issues and understanding interests.

• Use effective communication and questioning strategies during joint sessions.

• Balance joint sessions with private sessions strategically.

• Identify hidden barriers to negotiation through active listening and reframing.

• Support clients in expressing needs without escalating conflict.

• Collaborate with mediators to maintain momentum and clarity during discussions.

• Analyze power dynamics and their influence on dialogue and trust.

• Develop strategies to manage impasse and encourage constructive engagement.

Tailored for legal professionals committed to mastering the resolution phase, this course empowers participants to turn dialogue into durable agreements using the SOLVE mediation framework.