The pandemic changed the way business is conducted in almost every sector. Working remotely now is normal. The legal field is no exception. Virtual meeting platforms have transformed how mediation now can take place. Literally everyone is comfortable conducting depositions, hearings and client conferences virtually. Why not do the same with mediation?
I believe that it is pretty much a universal truth to say that mediation is most likely to be successful when the decision-makers are engaged in the process. Historically, and typically, that meant physically present. If a decision-maker only receives phone call updates from counsel it can work, but is not ideal. Not surprisingly, in-person mediation with everyone physically present at one location has been the gold standard for as long as mediation has been a popular process to resolve cases. Maybe it still is, but not in all circumstances and virtual mediations are here to stay.
