Recent Articles & Publications
Join Larry Rute in his recent podcast on "The Search Bar" with Eric Ritter
Why do more than 95% of legal disputes settle before trial? In this episode of The Search Bar Podcast, Eric Ritter sits down with veteran mediator and arbitrator Larry Rute to discuss why litigation is often avoided, how mediation works, and what parties should consider before heading to court. (June 23, 2026)
View on any of these platforms.YouTube Full Episode Spotify Apple Podcast
Why do more than 95% of legal disputes settle before trial? In this episode of The Search Bar Podcast, Eric Ritter sits down with veteran mediator and arbitrator Larry Rute to discuss why litigation is often avoided, how mediation works, and what parties should consider before heading to court. (June 23, 2026)
View on any of these platforms.YouTube Full Episode Spotify Apple Podcast
Six Best Practices for Effective and Successful Multi-Party Mediation
By Mike Hodgson
June 9, 2026
Most lawsuits never reach trial—they are resolved through negotiation and mediation. In this article, mediator and experienced litigator Michael Hodgson shares six practical strategies that help attorneys and clients maximize the likelihood of a successful mediation.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience handling complex, multi-party disputes, Mike explains the importance of early preparation, effective client communication, thoughtful data analysis, realistic case valuation, and maintaining flexibility throughout the negotiation process. These best practices provide valuable guidance for lawyers seeking to resolve disputes efficiently while achieving meaningful results for their clients.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE ARTICLE (PDF)
The Mediator’s Toolbox: Negotiation Brackets and The Mediator’s Proposal
By Larry R. Rute
May 8, 2026
Commercial mediation requires more than negotiation skill—it demands precision, strategy, and the ability to guide parties through risk, emotion, and competing financial expectations. In this article, we explore key tools mediators use to move difficult cases toward resolution, including the strategic use of monetary brackets and the powerful mediator’s proposal.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE ARTICLE (PDF)
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE ARTICLE (PDF)
Effective Negotiations in Complex, Multi-Party Cases Why an Experienced Class Action Mediator is Essential for Successful Negotiations
By Mike Hodgson
April 2, 2026
Class actions, collective actions, and complex multi-party litigation present unique challenges in reaching resolution. Issues involving timing, structure, scope, and financial considerations can lead to years of costly litigation and uncertainty for both Plaintiffs and Defendants. An experienced mediator with specialized knowledge in complex litigation can help parties navigate these challenges efficiently, reduce unnecessary expense, and create a practical path toward settlement.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE ARTICLE (PDF)
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE ARTICLE (PDF)
7 Advantages of Including Mediation as Part of Your Dispute Resolution Process
By Marvin R. Motley
July 11, 2023
Understanding the differences between mediation, arbitration, and litigation is essential when evaluating dispute resolution options. This article provides a brief overview of each process and highlights why mediation is often an efficient, flexible, and cost-effective path toward resolving disputes.
The Benefits of Independent Workplace Investigations
By Angela Gupta
April 13, 2020
Independent workplace investigations help employers respond promptly and effectively to allegations of misconduct, while also reducing potential legal exposure. This article discusses the importance of impartial investigations and their role in preventing and defending against workplace claims.