Join me for Free Keys to Commercial Mediation CLE

I'll be moderating a webinar September 30, 2026 at noon ET featuring fellow UWWM panelists Alan Espy and Charlie Green as we explore the keys to conducting commercial mediation. We will examine strategic decisions that can improve the outcome of complex commercial disputes before, during and throughout the mediation process. We will also discuss when to schedule mediation, how commercial mediations differ from other civil disputes, effective preparation by counsel and mediator, and practical negotiation techniques that help parties reach resolution. The program is designed for attorneys who handle business, commercial and complex civil litigation and want practical strategies they can apply immediately for better odds at successful settlemnt. Commercial mediation concerns business-to-business disputes involving one or more contractual relationships where there is generally no insurance for the alleged loss or liability– meaning that the checkbook at the table belongs to the disputants, and discussion about the merits of the dispute at hand will only get you so far. The parties’ respective business realities and a host of other external factors need to be considered. The Florida Bar has accredited our firm Webinar for 1.0 hours of General Continuing Legal Education (CLE). You may also self report Continuing Mediator Credit (CME) to the Dispute Resolution Center upon renewal. See more and register here-- https://www.uww-adr.com/event/keys-to-successful-commercial-mediations/ and https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9117889608951/WN_SDud1Z8gRsmyjzMQKsPy3g#/registration

Comments to Civil Rules Proposals on Mediation & Arbitration Due 5/1

The Florida Bar’s Civil Procedure Rules Committee submitted a couple of proposals to the Florida Supreme Court including amendments likely to simplify important rules concerning mediation and arbitration. First, regarding referral of cases under Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.700 (Rules Common to Mediation and Arbitration), a judge may enter an order referring all or any part of a case to mediation or arbitration, unless prohibited by law. The parties to any case may agree to mediate or arbitrate any issue at any time. Except as provided in this rule, mediation and arbitration must be conducted in person. This is the new default, even though well over 90% of cases are resolved online since Covid. The judge may order, or the parties may stipulate, that the mediation or arbitration may be conducted through the use of communication technology. To be clear, communication technology must include both audio and video unless all parties stipulate or the judge finds cause. This seems to be due to the fact that many parties of late claim they don't have functioning cameras and some insurance adjusters appear with black screens on Zoom. The proposed amendments would essentially require a mediation or arbitration via remote technology must include both audio and video-- i.e., fully appearing online at the proceeding. In addition, the Civil Rules Committee is proposing amendments to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.820 (Hearing Procedures for Non-Binding Arbitration). The new language would, among other things, require an arbitrator to file with a court a notice of service of the arbitration decision, but not the actual arbitration decision itself. This might eliminate filing under seal which can be difficult for neutrals, depending on the clerk procedures in each county. The party entitled to a judgment if no request for trial de novo is made, or after a trial de novo is conducted, would be required to file the arbitration decision with the court. The proposed amendments would also require that a party file only a written request for trial to reject an arbitrator’s decision, and that a timely request for trial “be construed so as to do substantial justice.” Members of the Committee now agree that it is duplicative and unnecessary for a party to say both that the arbitration award is being deemed rejected and that a trial de novo is being requested. Rather, it is implicit that a request for a trial de novo is a rejection of the arbitration award. See more here-- In Re: Amendments to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.820, Case No. SC2026-0040 and In Re: Amendments to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.700, Case No. SC2025-2041 https://acis.flcourts.gov/portal/search/case

Orlando Film Premiere: Voice of the Mediation Client 1/21!

Join us at the Orange County Bar Association in Orlando on January 21, 2026 at noon for a film screening and esteemed panel with lunch included! This program is a collaboration of OCBA’s ADR Committee and the ADR Section of The Florida Bar that have come together for an engaging course on advanced mediation strategies designed for litigators, mediators, in-house counsel, and other dispute resolution professionals. Along with exploring cutting-edge techniques, we will cover essential ethical responsibilities for lawyers and mediators. Participants will also receive a link to the latest Florida Mediation Best Practices Handbook, packed with proven strategies, practical tools, ethics rules, and federal and state mediation forms to strengthen mediation performance and client outcomes. I will participate in an esteemed panel of experienced trial lawyers, a United States Magistrate Judge and veteran mediator colleagues. We will lead a dynamic discussion during breaks in the screening of “The Voice of the Client,” an eye-opening film just produced by the Florida Bar’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section. Through powerful real-life stories, attendees will gain new perspectives on how clients experience mediation. The session is sure to spark meaningful discussions on preparation, communication, and how mediator techniques impact outcomes, helping participants elevate their mediation practice. Registration information here-- https://flabaradr.com/events/the-ocba-adr-committee-and-the-adr-section-of-the-florida-bar-presents-the-voice-of-the-client/ and direct link-- https://orangecountybar.org/events/register.aspx?id=1995577&itemid=786cc0e9-5ee8-4757-9388-b03a47a76f1c

Practice Playbook Podcast Appearance

So thrilled to be asked to join Susan Guthrie on The Practice Playbook Podcast where we talk about getting back to the basics in what we do in the face of unjustified fears like: "Is AI replacing mediators?" Dispute resolution professionals are likely asking this right now because technology is so rapidly advancing. AI tools are everywhere and virtual practice is the norm. In our conversation, we find AI is not actually replacing mediators. It doesn't replace skill, rather it is helpful to automating scheduling, helping to summarize documents and making more information instantly accessible. What remains human is the mediator’s judgment, presence and ability to guide people through uncertainty. Technology reduces friction, not responsibility. Strong mediators become more visible in this environment. Their preparation is clearer. Their instincts are sharper. Their ability to read people and manage dynamics stands out. Technology does not resolve complex cases, but can help better define them. However, lived experience and intuition are what still drive successful mediation outcomes. AI systems cannot read a room yet! No algorithm can sense hesitation, fear, or strategic posturing in real time. No tool can decide when to push, when to pause, or when silence is doing the work. Those decisions come from vast experience. They come from curiosity and instincts developed over hundreds or thousands of cases. These are not skills that can be automated. They are earned. Mediation is fundamentally a human process. It relies on judgment, trust, and the ability to guide people through uncertainty, none of which can be replaced by technology. More data does not always produce better outcomes. One challenge in today’s mediation environment is the information paradox. Parties have access to more data than ever, yet clarity is often harder to achieve. Excess documentation, poorly timed disclosures, and last-minute revelations can slow progress instead of advancing it. Discernment is perhaps one of the most valuable skills a mediator brings to the room in this age. Knowing what matters, when it matters, and how to use information strategically is not a technical function. It is a professional one. Until real AGI? Give us a listen on the first episode of the new year here-- https://bit.ly/PPP-Lawrence-Kolin

ADR Section St. Pete Retreat

Please join fellow members of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of The Florida Bar later this month in beautiful St. Pete at the Hyatt Place–St. Petersburg-Downtown for their annual retreat weekend. This active section which includes certified civil and family mediators, qualified arbitrators and other attorneys looking to learn more about being effective utilizing ADR processes is now celebrating its fifteenth year! I have been honored to serve as an emeritus member of the Executive Council after serving two terms. This is a great opportunity to become more involved in the leadership of the profession and to help guide processes such as important rulemaking at the state level. The tentative schedule for the program is as follows: Friday, August 22, 2025: Happy Hour at Hyatt Place (4:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m.) Dinner at Oak and Stone (following Happy Hour) Saturday, August 23, 2025: CLE/CME Presentations at Hyatt Place (9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.) Lunch Provided at Hyatt Place (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.) Executive Council Meeting (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) Off-Site Dinner and/or Team Event (TBD) This year's event will include some focus on the evolution of Nonbinding Arbitration in Florida that is increasingly being employed by many circuits to cull the court dockets still backlogged from the pandemic. Special rate room block booking cutoff is August 11th. More information here-- https://flabaradr.com/events/the-adr-section-annual-retreat/ Sign form up here-- https://tinyurl.com/ecbk94zf

Join us 10/30 as we reflect on 10 years!

Join us later this month on 10/30 at noon ET for a free CLE webinar as my esteemed colleague and I celebrate our 10th anniversary with ADR pioneers, Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group. We thought we would share our combined wisdom gained from helping lawyers and participants of the process get to yes over the past decade. As the registration blast indicates, veteran circuit-civi mediators of the firm, Jeff Fleming and Lawrence Kolin, will take our attendees on a journey through a decade of lessons learned from serving as full-time professional neutrals, including: - How their perceptions of mediation have changed - Comparing Zoom with in-person mediations - Preparation and mediation summaries - Opening statement by the parties - Best timing for a mediation - How long mediations should last - Why some caucuses take so long - Using brackets effectively - Asynchronous negotiation - Managing expectations The Florida Bar has accredited this webinar for 1.0 hours of General Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and of course you may, as always, self-report Continuing Mediator Education (CME) credit to DRC. Register here-- https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aMDTyUADSYG38xPgFZCGIg#/registration

Join us 4/2 for a Free Risk Assessment CLE/CME

Join me and my old friend and new UWWM colleague, Frank Bedell, for a free CLE Webinar at noon ET on Apri 2, 2024. We will explore a foundational understanding of risk assessments. The risk assessment is not about numerical accuracy. It is about reducing a complex claim environment to an easily understandable frame of reference so the client has a clear understanding of where they sit and the relative risk environment (understanding the litigation process and options for resolution). This includes finding agreement on the core claims, defenses, and issues, enough to make an informed valuation of the case. In the end, the objective of the risk assessment is alignment between client and counsel so a path forward can be responsibly outlined – and reevaluated as developments occur. We intend to offer some ideas in the problem-solving role of mediation and to encourage some innovation in the daily approach of settling lawsuits. This complimentary CLE is approved by the Florida Bar for 1.0 hour of general CLE credit. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Register here-- https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2621743033060336982

Orlando Mediator Top 5

Since 2010, upon my becoming a full-time neutral, I have tried to bring awareness to our little corner of the world in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) through blogging about mediation and arbitration online. Once again, the Orlando Mediator blog received the honor of being named in the top five and moved up to fourth among Alternative Dispute Resolution blogs out of sixty ranked on the web by traffic, social media followers, domain authority and freshness. I'm certainly in some good company on this list with established dispute resolution blogs around the world that actually have professional writers. Orlando Mediator is recognized by Feedspot among the best, including such distinguished blogs published by big names like Kluwer and even above those by prominent ADR organizations like the American Arbitration Association (AAA), The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) and International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR). Feedspot's experts chose Orlando Mediator as number four in the world for what their founder calls the most comprehensive list of Dispute Resolution Blogs on the planet! Feedspot says it is the internet’s largest human curated database of bloggers and podcasts. Their list combines RSS feeds allowing users to keep track of many different websites in a single news aggregator. I am humbled to know this labor of love for my chosen field is appreciated. I do enjoy keeping everyone informed on the latest trends and happenings in mediation and related fields through this outlet. Thanks again for your readership and support over the years! The full list is available here-- https://legal.feedspot.com/dispute_resolution_blogs/ and https://rss.feedspot.com/dispute_resolution_rss_feeds/

Common Ground - Commercial Mediation

This month, I'm pleased to be featured in The Common Ground publication by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the Florida Bar fall/winter issue. I have written about the the dynamics of mediating commercial litigation cases and the unique and different challenges of this type of mediation. Getting the proper parties to the table and adequate preparation of counsel and client are keys to success. I also explain the nuances of commercial mediation by discussing relationships, strategy, multi-party cases, impasse, mediated settlement agreements, and more. Most disputes result from the breakdown of a relationship. Commercial mediators are often able to ascertain the root of that breakdown. Just as in other types of cases, there are underlying relationship issues and while it is conventional wisdom to try and separate the personal from the business issues, it is often the interpersonal that needs to be overcome to get to a satisfactory resolution. For commercial litigation, the atmosphere at mediation should be more like negotiating a complex business deal than making closing arguments. Competitors may even end up becoming partners at the end. See the article along with the entire issue here-- bit.ly/ADR_FW23_CG

Now Available as AAA Panelist

Orlando Mediator Lawrence Kolin is now available as a panel neutral for the American Arbitration Asoociation (AAA). Though Lawrence was a party-selected AAA arbitrator and mediator in the past, and has even presented educational programs in conjunction with AAA, he has officially become a member for purposes of resolving cases under the auspices of AAA. As a reminder, Mediation is used to resolve a broad range of conflicts within a variety of settings. Mediation is a process in which an impartial third party facilitates communication and negotiation and promotes voluntary decision making by the parties to the dispute. Mediation agreements may be included as part of a contract that specifies what procedures will govern the mediation process. Alternatively, parties frequently agree to mediate following the onset of a dispute regardless of whether their contract stipulates mediation as a means of resolution, or when there is no contract between the parties. Mediation serves various purposes, including providing the opportunity for parties to define and clarify issues, understand different perspectives, identify interests, explore and assess possible solutions, and reach mutually satisfactory agreements, when desired. See more here-- https://tinyurl.com/bdzj99bw

Join us for AI in Mediation 9/7 at noon!

We'll be giving a free CLE/CME online September 7th at noon in conjunction with the University of Florida Levin College of Law Institute for Dispute Resolution looking at the current state of artificial intelligence as used by legal professionals. We will also discuss the reaction AI is garnering and how it is not necessarily all good or all bad news for the 3,000 plus-year-old tradition of mediation. Mediation is almost as old as conflict itself. The best mediators can resolve disputes discreetly, effectively, and, most importantly, with fairness to both parties, but there is no doubt AI is a negotiation-changing and career-changing tool in the law. Along with my colleague at UWWM, mediator Michelle Jernigan, with whom I serve as Emertius Member of The Florida Bar ADR Section Executive Council and our guests Christy Foley and Christina Magee (current and former chairs of the ADR Section), we also survey the pros and cons of AI in the legal field and ethical issues associated with the use of AI. Panel members will draw conclusions and make recommendations based on their research and personal experience. The Florida Bar has accredited the Webinar 1.0 hours of Technology Continuing Legal Education (CLE). You may submit questions in advance and register here-- https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3125289667036333659 Replay available here-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYjgRL4UUA8

Fox Settlement Shows Remote Mediation Works

Since the advent of the virtual mediation essentially with the rise of remote attendance resulting from the pandemic, lawyers seem skeptical of the effectiveness of this mediation technique. This skepticism persists, even after many polls of over a thousand full-time neutrals revealed that settlement rates remain as before largely the same as in-person cases. As evidenced by employing a mediator colleague of mine from the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (NADN.org) floating down the Danube during a high-stakes, eve of trial negotiation in a high profile case with results certain to be impactful, it is possible to achieve resolution by remote attendance. This method is pretty much the default in the state of Florida and around the country and is usually possible despite standing orders that may not specify so in the name of self-determination with agreement of the parties. People are now facile with off the shelf technology like Zoom and are quite used to interacting with others in this medium. Likewise, mediators using this space are in their third year of building rapport without actually being there, not counting prior experience with telephone negotiation, etc. (also used here among as many as 50 calls and was always an option before Covid). Don't underestimate the ability to get things done in short order without sitting down at the same table. But if you must, we still do that too! See more here-- https://tinyurl.com/tfj4bttt and https://tinyurl.com/ybp3zy5j

SDFL Rules Favor Remote Attendance

Next month, new mediation rules take effect in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. After hearing from the bar on format and giving the public an opportunity to comment, the federal court decided in favor of remote attendance. Unless the court orders otherwise, under Local Rule 16.2, Court Annexed Mediation, the parties shall decide whether their mediation conference will be conducted in person or by video-conference and, if the parties cannot agree, the mediation conference shall be held by video-conference. Additionally, unless excused in writing by the court, all parties and required claims professionals (e.g., insurance adjusters) must participate in the mediation conference with full authority to negotiate a settlement which includes connecting and participating by video and audio. Lately, we've seen some parties appear with black screens, muted on Zoom. This change seems to attempt to address that trend and level the playing field, alleviating the need for mediators to compromise their neutrality in acting as policemen for the process. See more here for rules that take effect December 1, 2022-- https://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/sites/flsd/files/adminorders/2022-88.pdf

Join me at Lawyer/Mediator Forum at Florida Bar President’s Showcase!

In order to improve the mediation process, The Florida Bar’s Trial Lawyers and Alternative Dispute Resolution Sections are engaging in a unique collaboration to co-host the first “Litigator-Mediator Forum” at the President's Showcase during our Annual Convention in Orlando on June 23, 2022 from 1-4 pm. This two-part CLE presentation will provide trial lawyers and mediators a direct platform to discuss how to make mediation more effective and efficient. The purpose of the Forum is not just to provide continuing legal education to trial lawyers and mediators on ethical rules and mediation advocacy skills, but to exchange ideas for improving the mediation process in all areas. Mediation has never been a more critical and timely topic in Florida due to the over one million case backlog created by the pandemic that continues challenging our courts and delaying access to justice for Florida litigants. As nearly all cases are now settled before trial, and most cases are settled at mediation, effective mediation advocacy and negotiating skills are essential to achieving justice. This topic is also timely because the Florida Supreme Court is presently considering several significant changes to the ethical rules governing mediation as well as case management restructuring and these rule changes will be discussed during the Forum. I am honored to have been selected as one of the Table Leaders who will facilitate discussion between trial lawyers and mediators regarding three topics designed to encourage recommendations by the audience on how trial lawyers and mediators can partner better together to improve mediation within the ethical rules governing dispute resolution. See more about this exciting program here-- https://tinyurl.com/w54a3je9

Free Online Mediation CLE/CME 3/18

Join us March 18th at 1:00 pm EST for Mediator’s Notebook = Attorney’s Toolbox, a free CLE/CME Webinar with 1.5 credits of CLE from The Florida Bar, but that's not all you'll gain by attending. Whether you are representing plaintiffs or defendants, you'll gain valuable insights on helping your mediator to put everyone's focus on the path to reasonable resolution. Attorneys can often help a mediator to assess what barriers to settlement may exist. We will address what pre-mediation preparation to consider. Additionally, we will cover laying the groundwork for ongoing discussions through messaging. It is often said a case is not worth a penny more than someone is willing to pay or a penny less than someone is willing to accept. We'll discuss how those most patient at mediation have the most to gain. More information and registration details here-- https://bit.ly/3toGkd3

Call for 30th DRC Conference Proposals

The Florida Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) 30th Annual Conference will be held at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando on August 11-13, 2022. DRC is asking for submissions for workshop proposals and to become part of the conference faculty. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) professionals play a major part in enhancing access to justice by offering parties an opportunity to minimize the time and money they spend interacting with the court system and by modernizing the facilitation process by using technology. Mediators also promote public trust and confidence in the court system by maintaining education on high standards of professionalism and ethical behavior when assisting parties in settling their disputes. This conference, now in its third decade, provides an annual forum for enhancing your skills and knowledge regarding ADR, especially as our world continues to demonstrate a need for professionals who can promote civil discourse when presenting options to resolve disputes. Consider training your fellow mediators by sharing the latest in your experience. I have presented here in the past and encourage you to do the same. If your workshop submission is selected, you will be asked to present twice during the conference. The deadline for submission is February 25th and workshop selections will be confirmed in early April 2022. You will receive a full conference registration waiver, and if applicable, a second presenter will receive $50 off registration fees. You will receive a confirmation email after you submit the form. If you do not receive a confirmation email, the form was not successfully submitted. The DRC recommends gathering all information required prior to beginning to filling out the form located at here-- https://bit.ly/3ufyqob

Mediation Week 2021

October 17-23 is officially Mediation Week in Florida and elsewhere, marking the importance of dispute resolution as an effective substitute to litigation and the fact that mediation has continued virtually during the pandemic, allowing parties to resolve disputes without resorting to litigation in a system of very backed-up court dockets. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has been used by Florida courts for more than 30 years. I have been mediating lawsuits for over 20 years now and this past year and a half was the most seismic shift in our profession and the legal profession in general. Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) will now continue as an option following the pandemic through confidential sessions conducted remotely with widely available commerical off-the-shelf technology. More than 5,500 mediators are currently certified by the Florida Dispute Resolution Center. These professionals meet specific standards set by the Florida Supreme Court in the areas of county, family, circuit, dependency, and appellate mediation. In most cases, discerning counsel and their client parties select the mediator. However, a mediator may be appointed by the court when litigants are unable to select their own. Mediation week brings annual focus on ADR work and highlights how individuals, administrative agencies, and businesses can use mediation to develop efficient and customized solutions to conflicts. See more here-- https://bit.ly/3AU5XUt

Active Case Management Comes to FL 9th Circuit

At today's Judicial Town Hall meeting held by Chief Judge Myers, the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida rolled out a new Administrative Order implementing a much more active case management rubric than this jurisdiction has ever known. Counsel will now be required to designate at the outset whether a civil case in county or circuit court is on a complex (per civil rule), streamlined (12 months), or general (18 months) track. Much like federal court, with track designation the court will then issue a Standing Case Management Order imposing deadlines intended to move the case to conclusion under prescribed timelines based on its type. The active case management program will not apply to cases assigned to: (a) Business Court; (b) any civil case designated as complex under Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.201; and (c) any civil cases filed on or before April 29, 2021. Existing cases in which the court has entered an order setting the case for pre-trial and/or trial will keep the dates and deadlines already set forth therein which shall govern the progress of those cases. With regard to dispute resolution, within 30 days after completion of the depositions of all parties, counsel shall meet and confer regarding whether an Early Mediation would be productive to resolution of certain issues or the entire case. A so-called Final Mediation shall occur no later than 30 days after completion of all discovery. The new program requires a plaintiff filing a case to include a standard case management plan with the complaint. Until a case management plan is filed by the plaintiff initiating a case, the Clerk will not issue a summons. See more in A.O. 2021-4 here-- https://www.ninthcircuit.org/sites/default/files/AO2021-04.pdf and forms found here-- https://www.ninthcircuit.org/civil-case-management

Join us 8/28 for free CLE/CME on Design Thinking in Mediation

Join me and my new UWWM colleague, April Walker, for a free CLE Webinar at noon Wednesday, August 28, 2019. We will explore the application of design thinking to the mediation process in Florida. Those who like to go beyond the day-to-day of alternative dispute resolution and apply other rubrics to improve outcomes should attend this interesting program. The formal title is "Design Thinking Applied to Mediation: Taking Advantage of the Informal and Non-Adversarial Nature of the Mediation Process" and it will look at principles that are successfully employed in other disciplines. For over fifty years, creative problem-solving approach designers have used these techniques to create new values that are different and make a positive impact. We intend to offer some ideas in the problem-solving role of mediation and to encourage some innovation in the daily approach of settling lawsuits. This complimentary CLE is approved by the Florida Bar for 1.0 hour of general CLE credit. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7035925939656754947

Nuclear Option: Mediation

A multibillion-dollar fight over who should pay for the San Onofre nuclear plant failure will go to mediation with the mediator from the recent NFL owners and players settlement, according to a joint filing with the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the California Public Utilities Commission. Lawyers report that Layn Phillips will host an initial conference by telephone and then in-person mediation sessions this summer. Phillips, a former federal prosecutor and judge, will try to resolve the complicated dispute over almost $5 billion in costs stemming from the premature shutdown of the California coastal power plant amid a radiation leak in 2012. Any settlement would have to be approved by the federal appeals court, which took the case last year when consumers sued the commission and Edison over the original terms of a settlement agreement. The commission which ordered the latest round of negotiations, also would have to approve any revised agreement. The 2,200-megawatt nuclear plant along the Pacific failed after newly installed replacement steam generators leaked radiation. Majority plant owner Edison opted to permanently shutter the facility in 2013. The following year, state regulators approved a settlement deal allowing the utility to recover 70 percent of the $4.7 billion in premature closure costs from customers, as opposed to shareholders. Edison later disclosed its executives met privately with utility regulators at a luxury hotel, negotiating a framework for the deal eventually approved in 2014. Those backchannel communications between utility executives and regulators are under criminal investigation by the California Attorney General’s Office. The mediation effort agreed to by Edison and consumers aims to resolve a federal court case filed by the group Citizens Oversight shortly after regulators approved the settlement. As public criticism of the original settlement terms mounted, the Public Utilities Commission ordered the San Onofre record reopened. While the terms from 2014 remain in place, regulators ordered the two sides to begin new settlement talks this year and now the parties will go to mediation. Interestingly, earlier this month, arbitrators at the International Chamber of Commerce resolved an arbitration case between Edison and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which manufactured the equipment that led to the plant failure in 2012, awarding Edison a fraction of the damages the utility had sought. The Chamber also ordered Edison to pay $58 million in legal fees to Mitsubishi. The Japanese manufacturer is seeking to keep portions of the evidence submitted in the arbitration case confidential. The federal appeals court has ordered regular updates to the negotiations. See more reported here-- http://bit.ly/2nE84bd and a statement of mediation from the court here-- http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/mediation/