Tag Archives: Lawyering

Problems with the System of Negotiation Models, Part 1

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Based on my study of lawyers’ actual negotiations, A Framework for Advancing Negotiation Theory: Implications from a Study of How Lawyers Reach Agreement in Pretrial Litigation, I have reluctantly concluded that the generally-accepted understanding of negotiation theory is seriously flawed and that we need a better theory. The current framework relies primarily on two models … Continue reading Problems with the System of Negotiation Models, Part 1 →

Some Good Questions

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In 1998, commenting on the hot controversy about the “Rand Report’s” finding that certain mediation programs did not save time or money (measured in terms of lawyers’ work hours), Professor Craig McEwen argued that it was the wrong question to ask whether “mediation works.” Critics of the Report had argued that its methodology led to … Continue reading Some Good Questions →

Some Puffing Sucks . . . But Developing Good Relationships Is More Likely to be Effective than a New Rule

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“Oh Boy! A fight.” That’s often what I say in class when students vigorously disagree.  I like these “fights” because they usually lead to helpful discussions that clarify differing views. So when Andrea wrote her post, Puffing Sucks, I thought, “Oh Boy! A fight.” She argues that puffing is “[l]ying, through and through,” and that … Continue reading Some Puffing Sucks . . . But Developing Good Relationships Is More Likely to be Effective than a New Rule →

What is Negotiation?, Part 2

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We often think of negotiation as a distinct and climactic phase of a dispute. Interactions leading up to the final settlement event are often considered merely as preparation, if that. In litigated cases, we often ignore the litigation as if it was largely irrelevant to the information available and the dynamics in negotiation. I base … Continue reading What is Negotiation?, Part 2 →

To Puff or Not to Puff . . . (or When and How to Puff)

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I love teaching law students about misrepresentation in negotiation. I call this class, “lying like a lawyer.”   Of course, civilians (i.e., non-lawyers) regularly fudge the facts, let’s call it. While it might be nice if there were bright-line norms of scrupulous honesty that were universally followed, that’s never gonna happen.   I’m no expert … Continue reading To Puff or Not to Puff . . . (or When and How to Puff) →

Where I’m Coming From . . . and Want to See Us Go

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As I embark on this blog, it might be helpful to lay out my general perspective, which is probably similar to some of your views. This post (and probably some of my future posts) is different and longer than the norm, but hopefully you will find it worth your time to read. I came of … Continue reading Where I’m Coming From . . . and Want to See Us Go →