The Mediation Minute

Welcome to The Mediation Minute. This podcast explores practical techniques to facilitate successful negotiation and resolution. Hosted by Rebecca Wisbar, mediator and attorney. Contact Rebecca, Akers & Wisbar (225) 767-1003. The Mediation Minute podcast is produced by Catherine O'Brien, Branch Out Programs.

Labor and Employment | J. Arthur Smith, III 01/06/2023

Labor and Employment | J. Arthur Smith, III J. Arthur Smith joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss labor and employment law. Host is a . The Mediation Minute is now available on , , , Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Get new episodes of The Mediation Minute ! . Visit to learn more. Please note: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/25522050

Brian Katz | Recent Legislative Tort Amendments 07/02/2021

Brian Katz | Recent Legislative Tort Amendments Brian Katz of Herman, Herman, & Katz of New Orleans joins Rebecca Wisbar on the Mediation Minute to discuss how recent legislative tort amendments will influence mediation and litigation. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/19682549

Erik Vollenweider | Trust in Mentorship 06/25/2021

Erik Vollenweider | Trust in Mentorship Trust is integral when it comes to mediation, often being noted as a key ingredient to negotiation success. Erik Vollenweider joins Rebecca Wisbar to talk about trust in another aspect of the legal life: mentorship. Erik has made the transition from Associate to Partner at Lobman Carnahan in New Orleans. Erik discusses how to communicate with less experienced associates as well as how more seasoned attorneys can benefit from the new perspective and energy the associates bring to the firm /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/19601837

Keely Scott | Online Mediation Practical Tips 11/12/2020

Keely Scott | Online Mediation Practical Tips Video conferencing is part of our daily lives these days, and those in the legal profession are finding more and more mediations and other negotiations online. Keely Scott, managing partner of Donohue, Patrick & Scott, joins Rebecca Wisbar on the Mediation Minute to share some tips for mediating online. Keely offers practical tips for a polished presentation and tactics for helping laypeople feel comfortable with the mediation process in a virtual setting. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/16785749

Chris Glisson | Ethics and Negotiations 11/06/2020

Chris Glisson | Ethics and Negotiations Chris Glisson, managing partner of MGM Attorneys joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute to discuss ethics and negotiation/mediation. Chris shares his thoughts about ethical questions that can arise in mediation that might not receive the attention they deserve. Special consideration is given to ethics in the information gathering stage of mediation preparation. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/16704167

Tommy Juneau | Preparation and Interpersonal Dynamics 10/28/2020

Tommy Juneau | Preparation and Interpersonal Dynamics The dynamics between people are paramount in the mediation process. Tommy Juneau believes that the dynamics between attorneys can sometimes eclipse the dynamics between the parties. Return guest Tommy joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss mediation preparation. What should go into a position paper at a mediation? Should you even submit a position paper? What level of detail should be covered with participants in order to prepare? These questions and more are answered on this Mediation Minute episode. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/16577573

Jonathan Mitchell | Turning Clients into Teammates 08/31/2020

Jonathan Mitchell | Turning Clients into Teammates “Ultimately, what we all want is to come to a good resolution for all our clients and if you can understand what the other person is thinking, it can help you nudge them towards where you want them to be.” Jonathan Mitchell is our guest and he shares one question to ask clients which will set the tone for the future legal proceedings. Jonathan and host Rebecca Wisbar discuss the concepts of anchoring and of confirmation bias, plus practical tips for positively managing expectations throughout a mediatio /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/15797798

Aaron Chaisson, Jr | Negotiations Before, During, and Even After Trial 08/21/2020

Aaron Chaisson, Jr | Negotiations Before, During, and Even After Trial The current COVID-19 situation may have encouraged disputing parties to negotiate where they might otherwise would litigate. Aaron Chaisson joins Rebecca Wisbar to analyze the many benefits of these negotiations, even if negotiations weren’t “Plan A.” Aaron identifies the process of finding the “pressure points” in a case and how experience provides perspective for all parties involved. The conversation closes with a discussion of post-trial negotiations plus how goodwill is not an endless resourc /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/15706259

Elizabeth Liuzza | Communication Skills and Preconceived Ideas 07/03/2020

Elizabeth Liuzza | Communication Skills and Preconceived Ideas Communications plus a business education, mixed with a dash of public relations can lead to a interesting perspective when paired with a law practice. Elizabeth Liuzza joins Rebecca Wisbar on the Mediation Minute to share how professional communication can influence the mediation process. Elizabeth shares insights into setting the tone and dealing with preconceived ideas that may present themselves during mediation. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/15074813

Tommy Juneau | Mediation Opening Sessions 06/26/2020

Tommy Juneau | Mediation Opening Sessions The mediation opening session has evolved. Guest Tommy Juneau talks with host Rebecca Wisbar about the importance of the opening statements and how they set the tone for the entire process. Tommy shares some communication tactics that make for an effective mediation.Tommy Juneau is principal at Perry Dampf Dispute Solutions and serves as a full-time mediator. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/14972666

Eric Johnson | Anticipated Litigation in the Pandemic's Wake 06/19/2020

Eric Johnson | Anticipated Litigation in the Pandemic's Wake The ripple effect of the pandemic continues to spread, even in terms of anticipated litigation. Eric Johnson of CompQuantum joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss what might develop, comparing and contrasting the coronavirus crisis with other situations such as hurricanes and natural disasters. The unique nature of current circumstances might have unusual outcomes for business interruption claims; class action suits; workers’ compensation and more. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/14891162

Darrell Loup | Two Sides of the Same Coin 06/17/2020

Darrell Loup | Two Sides of the Same Coin Two sides of the same coin—that’s how Darrell Loup describes his experience doing both defense work and having a plaintiffs’ practice. Darrell shares insights gained over a long career practicing law as he now moves into serving as a mediator. Host Rebecca Wisbar and Darrell discuss the various perspectives in mediation as well as the expectations each party may hold. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/14851577

Katherine Loos | Personality, Preparation, Influence 05/26/2020

Katherine Loos | Personality, Preparation, Influence We’ve talked about preparation on the Mediation Minute, now Katherine Loos joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss "personality." We hear about the importance of minimizing surprises, being prepared, and how assessing the personality of a mediator can lead to negotiation success. Katherine also explains how to understand the influence of key people (like family members) on the mediation process, and how to use those influences to help rather than hinder the process. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/14571032

Kent Gonsoulin | Reading the Room in the Era of Social Distancing 04/10/2020

Kent Gonsoulin | Reading the Room in the Era of Social Distancing In the era of social distancing, Kent Gonsoulin joins host Rebecca Wisbar to discuss comedy, mediation and our "new normal.” Kent has a wealth of experience "reading the room" as he is a professional comedian in addition to his work as claims specialist well versed in mediation. Rebecca and Kent analyze how the give and take of mediation shifts as there is more distance between the parties. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/13929794

Scott Fruge 10/17/2019

Scott Fruge Scott Fruge of The Fruge Law Firm is a member of the LSU Trial Advocacy Faculty. This “crash course” for law student seniors is a three-day intensive that walks students through the rigors of a trial. One step in that process is assessing the possibility of mediating a dispute. What are the practical benefits of seeing both sides of a dispute, and how does an attorney assess the weaknesses of their case? Scott explains how he instructs students in this assessment process with host Rebecca Wisbar. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/11676119

Laurie Kadair | Special Needs Trust Administration 10/10/2019

Laurie Kadair | Special Needs Trust Administration A unique practice, Laurie Kadair of Kadair Law Firm, LLC estimates 80% of her cases are Special Needs Trust administration. Many of these trusts are established as part of a legal settlement. Host Rebecca Wisbar and Laurie Kadair discuss the fact that assets in Special Needs Trusts need to last “for the long haul”; thoughtful negotiation and communication must be employed to maintain positive relationships among all parties. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/11589791

The Partners of Fletcher, Roy, and Chenevert join Rebecca Wisbar 10/03/2019

The Partners of Fletcher, Roy, and Chenevert join Rebecca Wisbar Mediation has come a long way in the legal community. Today, mediation is viewed as a positive course that can produce mutually beneficial results. This change in perspective is the subject of The Mediation Minute and Ralph Fletcher, Richard Roy, and Ryan Chenevert share how the times have changed when it comes to mediation. Host and mediator Rebecca Wisbar oversees the lively discussion between attorneys with extensive experience and wide-ranging perspectives. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/11493461

Kent Gonsoulin 09/26/2019

Kent Gonsoulin Communication is key in mediation, but can humor play a role? Kent Gonsoulin, “Cajun Comedian” joins Rebecca Wisbar to talk about reading an audience (even an audience of one), testing the waters, and how humor can relieve tension even in sensitive situations. Kent offers practical insight into maintaining professional standards and a sense of humor. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/11401793

Chris Mensman | Life on Comp 09/19/2019

Chris Mensman | Life on Comp Worker’s Compensation is a specialized area that needs certain expertise and experience to navigate. Chris Mensman of Mensman Law knows about “Life on Comp” and joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute to talk about how Worker’s Compensation impacts the mediation process. Chris shares his insights (and his signature brand of humor.) /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/11309873

Matt Pryor 05/02/2019

Matt Pryor Play on! Matt Pryor, Managing Partner of Pujol, Pryor & Irwin, is an attorney and a soccer referee. As a referee, he communicates not only verbally but also with body language, stance, and other forms of non-verbal communication. Matt and host Rebecca Wisbar discuss on this new episode of The Mediation Minute how much we communicate without saying a word. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/9616226

Jennifer Moisant 04/25/2019

Jennifer Moisant Jennifer Moisant of Balfour Emonet law firm sits down with host Rebecca Wisbar to discuss managing emotions during mediation and what it means to encourage reasonable expectations. Jennifer and Rebecca discuss how valuable an impartial view can be to successful mediations as well as how to handle deeply personal information in a professional and respectful manner. Be sure to listen for a fun fact about Jennifer's family and the New Orleans Airport. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/9523964

Barbara Irwin 04/11/2019

Barbara Irwin How does equestrian competition relate to mediation? Barbara Irwin of Pujol, Pryor & Irwin joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute. The delicate art of give and take holds center stage in this conversation, as well as how nonverbal communication is a powerful tool in negotiation. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/9358697

MM 033: Przemek Lubecki 09/12/2018

MM 033: Przemek Lubecki What do "boxing" and "dressing for church" have to do with litigation? Przemek Lubecki of Morris Bart Attorneys at Law, on The Mediation Minute. Having previously practiced law in Illinois, Przemek discusses some of the differences between Louisiana and Illinois, especially when it comes to jury trials. Rebecca and Przemek explore how mediation impacts considerations of risk and cost management. The show closes with Przemek describing the unique way the Morris Bart firm prepares attorneys for trial. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/7021017

MM 032: Luke J Thibodeaux II with Rebecca Wisbar 08/30/2018

MM 032: Luke J Thibodeaux II with Rebecca Wisbar Information is power in a negotiation, and when you represent the plaintiff, stepping "into the shoes" of the defense can make all the difference. Luke J. Thibodeaux, II of Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute to share how working as a claims adjuster early in his career influences his ability to reach effective resolution. Beyond Luke's irreverent, entertaining presentation are key insights about interacting with the defense and protocols of negotiation. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/6975662

MM 031: Paul Breaux and Ryan Chenevert Join Rebecca Wisbar 08/21/2018

MM 031: Paul Breaux and Ryan Chenevert Join Rebecca Wisbar Professor Paul Breaux and Ryan Chenevert, attorney reunite with host Rebecca Wisbar on this episode of The Mediation Minute to discuss the mediation process in law school clinical practice. Professor Breaux provides his insights into instructing future attorneys on how to effectively mediate. Ryan, from his perspective as the former law student, discusses the benefits of his experience in that Mediation Clinic and its impact on his professional development. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/6936193

MM 030: Employment Matters - Terry and Valencia Landry Return 06/29/2018

MM 030: Employment Matters - Terry and Valencia Landry Return Employment law is the topic of this Mediation Minute podcast. Returning guests Valencia Landry and Terry Landry discuss with Rebecca Wisbar general issues of employment cases as well as the specifics of "Whistleblowing." Rebecca, Terry, and Valencia detail how mediation of employment matters is beneficial for all parties. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/6758212

MM 029: Social Media Matters - Woody Scott with Rebecca Wisbar 06/22/2018

MM 029: Social Media Matters - Woody Scott with Rebecca Wisbar Paul "Woody" Scott of The Scott Law Firm returns to The Mediation Minute to discuss some of the intriguing issues social media pose to those in the legal field. Is all publicity "good" publicity? That philosophy is put to the test in this conversation with Woody and host Rebecca Wisbar. Woody and Rebecca discuss the ramifications of using social media to publicize cases, issues of credibility, and even unintended consequences. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/6734074

MM 028: Ed Walters 04/13/2018

MM 028: Ed Walters Within each mediation, there are several layers of negotiation taking place simultaneously. Ed Walters of Walters, Papillion, Thomas, Cullens, LLC joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute. The dispute between the parties may take the forefront in the mediation, but every participant would be wise to consider the additional negotiations taking place during the central mediation. Ed offers insights and practical guidance on the multiple negotiations encompassed in each mediation. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/6477294

MM 027: Mindfulness with Lexlee Overton 03/28/2018

MM 027: Mindfulness with Lexlee Overton What does mindfulness have to do with the practice of law? Lexlee Overton joins Rebecca Wisbar to talk about the ways you can achieve mindfulness, and thereby improve your legal practice, your mediations, and your life. Lexlee shares some stress reduction techniques. Additionally, we hear about her charitable organization that promotes childhood safety, Lexlee's Kids. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/6415875

MM 026: Vince Fornias and Rebecca Wisbar on Arbitration 03/14/2018

MM 026: Vince Fornias and Rebecca Wisbar on Arbitration Vince Fornias returns to the Mediation Minute to speak with Rebecca Wisbar about arbitration. He provides comparison and contrast between arbitration and mediation as alternative dispute resolution methods. While both arbitration and mediation are outside of the court system, each method is unique in its approach, process, and style. The conversation closes with some insight into how parties view an arbitrator as opposed to a mediator. /episode/index/show/mediationminute/id/6362967

The Mediation Minute

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