Sage Resolutions

Insights

Thoughts, observations and perspectives about issues in mediation.

Virtual Mediations Using Zoom

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In these chaIllanging times, with everyone observing the very necessary health and safety measures of physical distancing and self isolation to address the Covid-19 pandemic, the “tried and true” approach to dispute resolution - in-person mediations - must give way, if only temporarily, to “virtual” online platforms in order for people to continue to be able to resolve disputes in a timely fashion.

Of the many such platforms currently available, Zoom, an audio/video conferencing service, appears to be the most “well-matched” for conducting mediations, with features that help “mimic”, to the extent possible, the traditional in-person mediation experience. These include “virtual” waiting rooms, a main room for joint sessions and multiple “confidential” break-out/caucus rooms. There is also a “live chat” feature, with the ability to share files and even Powerpoint presentations.

Zoom is easy to use and intuitive. You only require a computer or smart phone and an internet connection. You do not have to downoad any software or open a Zoom account. You simply click on the link you receive by e-mail from your mediator, follow the instructions and you are joined into the medation. There is even a teleconference link for those without internet access.

Zoom has been endorsed by the International Academy of Mediators as the preferred platform for conducting virtual online mediations, and I am using it for all my virtual mediations.

Below is a short You-tube video from the Virtual Mediation Lab which illustrates the way the parties and mediator interact on Zoom, both in/between their private break-out rooms and also together in a joint session in the main room. It also shows how documents can be circulated. Enjoy!

 
 

In this demo Giuseppe Leone, founder of Virtual Mediation Lab, demonstrates with mediators from around the world how the video conferencing Zoom now allows o...

 
Gerry GeorgeComment