[ Print Version - PDF ] Escalating litigation costs, procedural friction, and lengthy delays. There are many reasons for insurance claims and disputes to stagnate. One potential solution is to mediate early. Early mediation is not a one-size-fits-all approach; but, it can offer front-loaded and efficient opportunities...
Mandatory mediation in several Ontario jurisdictions has helped give rise to a fantastic group of roster-rate mediators and a process designed with cost-effectiveness, efficiency and, most importantly, resolution in mind. The key is to make the most of the opportunity. Here are five tips for getting the...
Mediation is shaped by myths and assumptions about what settlement can accomplish, how quickly people can change their positions, what certain negotiating positions mean, and how parties should begin the bargaining process. Many of these beliefs contain an element of truth. But when they are treated...
My mediation practice typically involves disputes around money. Plaintiffs seek to maximize their recovery at mediation. Defendants seek to minimize their payout. Perhaps surprising to some, the strategies and tactics to achieve these objectives are virtually the same. What follows is not revolutionary, but helpful to...
Successful negotiation isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about what the numbers communicate. Here are three points I encourage my clients to consider in mediation: 1. How The Offer Is Presented By breaking an offer down into each head of damages, plus costs and disbursements, you help the...
In roster mediations, time is limited and the degree of preparation determines productivity. A strong mediation brief does more than summarize the file. It can help focus the negotiation on the issues that matter most. Here are 5 tips for writing strong and effective mediation briefs for...
Cooper Mediation Inc. is pleased to announce that Jonathan Cooper will be speaking at the Kawartha Durham OIAA 2026 Annual Education Day on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Ajax Convention Centre. Jon’s presentation, “When to Mediate Early,” tackles a topic that can affect virtually every...
Ontario’s auto insurance regime is undergoing a significant structural shift. Effective July 1, 2026, the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) moves from a largely standardized system to an “optional benefits” model. At its core, medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits remain mandatory, but all other accident benefits...
As we close out 2025, one theme stands out across Ontario’s legal landscape: adaptation. Over the past year, lawyers, insurers, and mediators have all navigated shifting case law, evolving procedures, and new pressures on claims handling. Looking ahead to 2026, the question is not whether...
You're invited to Logan Cooper's FREE interactive webinar, "Lessons From 2025 — What’s Coming In 2026," worth 1 hour of substantive CPD. This webinar connects substantive legal changes to practical mediation strategy. You’ll walk away with insights you can use immediately in your files. Some topics covered include: *Important...
