Jim Smith is a great believer in mediation as a flexible, cost-effective, and time-sensitive way to resolve disputes. For many years Jim chaired the Federal Bar Association CR39.1 Committee and assisted in administering that program in cooperation with The United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. He also led the Task Force on Early Mediation and believes that it is in the best interest of a lawyer’s clients. The problem is not the eventual settlement rate of cases, but rather when cases resolve. Too often lawsuits do not settle until the last bit of written discovery has been accomplished, the last deposition has been taken, and motions have been resolved. Early mediation has many benefits, not only to our clients, but also with respect to the ultimate results. At the least it creates an early settlement dialogue and informs the parties regarding necessary future discovery in litigation. Early mediation is well worth the effort and should be considered by both lawyers and parties.
Jim Smith has mediated cases for decades as an adjunct to his practice as a trial lawyer. He has assisted in settlement of many multi-million-dollar disputes in a variety of industries. He also has resolved multi-party disputes which have their own unique settlement dynamics.