The free series of monthly court-annexed mediation seminars is continuing in courtroom 2005 of the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago.

The 12 noon brown-bag presentations for judges, lawyers and mediators are co-sponsored by the ISBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Section and Cook County Circuit Court Law Division.

Although there is no charge to attend, interested professionals should call (312) 603-6078 or (312) 793-0134 for reservations. Programs for the next few months follow.

Thursday, April 12 – Understanding the Role of Structured Settlements in Mediations: Practical examples of how structured settlement benefits can be used to match future economic damage elements.

Speakers are Allen N. Schwartz of Kralovec, Jambois & Schwartz, plaintiff perspective; Chad Castro of Barker & Castro, defense perspective; Geoffrey Gifford of Pavalon, Gifford, Laatsch & Marino, mediator's perspective, and structured settlement consultant Casey McCarthy of Mesirow Financial Structured Settlements.

The May and June seminars are specially designed for training lawyers who participate in mediations as advocates, including new admittees. Speakers include retired judges James E. Sullivan and John W. Cooley.

Thursday, May 17 – Mediation Advocacy Skills Training (first session): General description of mediation in the ADR context, preliminary pre-mediation considerations, and question and answer period.

Thursday, June 14 – Mediation Advocacy Skills Training (second session): Preparing the case for mediation, preparing the client for mediation, effective advocacy in the mediation session, mediation advocacy, and question and answer period.