How NOT to Write a Mediation Statement

FACULTY OF FEDERAL ADVOCATES
PRESENTS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026

"HOW NOT TO WRITE A MEDIATION STATEMENT"

JUDGE (ret.) MICHAEL E. HEGARTY
JAMS Denver

  12:00 - 1:15 P.M.

• Arraj Courthouse
  901 19th Street, Denver
  (This program will not be offered as a webinar.)

• The impact of a mediation statement can be profound. When written well (from a dozen different perspectives), they enhance the prospects for a resolution. When written one-sidedly and shortsightedly, they set a bad tone and impact negatively the mediator (and your opponent if you share a version with them). With so many cases (statistically) that settle, the mediation statement is, in essence, the opening statement/closing argument trial equivalent, and its attachments are your trial exhibits. It sets the entire tone for the mediation. Judge Hegarty (Ret.) will discuss the top mistakes v. best practices in drafting mediation letters. Judge Hegarty hopes to bring along two experienced insurance adjusters (one from one of the state’s self-insured pools, who represent counties/police departments etc. in civil rights/first amendment/excessive force cases, and one from a private insurance company). These are your real audience when insurance is involved.

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  2 General CLE Credits requested.