Mediation Agreement and Fees |
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AGREEMENT FOR MEDIATION
UPON THE AGREEMENT OF THE UNDERSIGNED a mediation hearing will be
held on:
IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED by the undersigned that the process they are
entering into is defined by MCR 2.411(A)(2) as follows:
"Mediation" is a process in which a neutral third party
facilitates communication between parties, assists in
identifying issues, and helps explore solutions to
promote a mutually acceptable settlement. A mediator
has no authoritative decision-making power.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED a key element to the success of the mediation
process is that all "interested parties" must attend the mediation hearing. This provision
will be deemed to have been complied with by a party if the following persons are
physically present at the mediation hearing:
(1) The party's counsel; and
(2) The party or a representative having full authority to
settle without further consultation; and
(3) A representative(s) of the insurance carrier(s) for
any insured party who has full authority to settle up
to the amount of the last demand or policy limits,
whichever is less, without further consultation; and
(4) All persons and/or entities that have asserted liens
or are otherwise essential to the disposition of the
matter.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED that counsel for each party shall present a short
written summary to the mediator seven (7) days prior to the mediation hearing.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED that the Mediator may conduct short, private
meetings separately with each side. Such meetings, referred to as "caucuses," often take
place after the initial joint session. Caucus is an important aspect to the negotiation
process. It provides a setting where parties can be more candid with the Mediator than
they might otherwise be in front of their adversaries. Comments made in caucus are
confidential and will not be revealed by the Mediator, and/or any agreed upon Mediation
Trainee/Observer, to any person not present for the caucus without express permission to
do so.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED that all mediation sessions (joint sessions,
caucuses, etc.) are settlement negotiations which are not admissible in subsequent legal
proceedings pursuant to Rule 408 of the Michigan Rules of Evidence and Michigan Court
Rule 2.411(C)(5). Moreover, the parties agree they are contractually bound by this
Agreement not to subpoena the Mediator and/or Mediation Trainee/Observers and/or their notes, records or memos, etc.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED that work performed by Lawrence J. Day will
be billed at a rate of $195 per hour. Unless the Parties agree otherwise all charges shall be
divided and paid equally by Counsel for the parties. It is understood and agreed that
Counsel for the respective parties are obligated to pay Lawrence J. Day, P.C. and then
may pursue reimbursement from their respective clients if they so choose.
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