What I Wish the Other Side Knew

Description: Co-Sponsored by the Women in Trial Travel Summit, What I Wish the Other Side Knew pulls back the curtain on what really matters to each participant in mediation. In this candid, practitioner-driven program, seasoned panelists include plaintiff’s attorney Michelle West, defense attorney Wilma Gray, and mediator Debra Bogaards (who has a background representing both sides). The panel will share the insights they rarely get to say out loud—what they need, what they worry about, and what helps (or hurts) the path to resolution. The panel explores critical moments before and during mediation, including effective briefing and information exchange, navigating layered insurance coverage and multiple parties, addressing ability-to-pay issues and bankruptcy realities, and preparing clients for the emotional and strategic “day in court” experience. The discussion concludes with practical strategies for crafting creative, sometimes non-monetary settlement terms that move cases forward when money alone isn’t enough. Designed for attorneys on both sides of the aisle, this program offers practical perspective-shifting insights that can lead to more productive mediations—and better outcomes for clients. Speakers: Debra Bogaards, Mediator – ADR Services, Inc. Michelle West, Plaintiff’s Counsel – Robinson Calcagnie Wilma Gray, Defense Counsel – McNamara, Ambacher, Wheeler, Hirsig & Gray LLP Lauren Wood, Moderator – L Woods Law & WITTS Founder This webinar has been approved by the State Bar of California for 1 hour of general credit. To receive self-study credit, take this quiz after watching the video: https://forms.gle/APY5VGZSkTKcuPJm9 Access the Written Materials here: https://www.adrservices.com/wp-conten...