Navigating the Mediation Maze:
A Panel Discussion of Ethical Minefields, Civility Traps, and the Vanishing Opening Statement
1 hour of CE for registered neutrals (GA) & pending 1 CLE hour for Georgia attorneys, including 1 trial hour
Session Information
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Mediation is more than just a procedural hurdle - it is a vital tool for resolving disputes efficiently and effectively. However, shifting norms in mediation, such as the declining use of opening statements, evolving ethical considerations, and the increasing role of technology, present both challenges and opportunities for mediators and practitioners alike.
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This panel of experienced mediators with varying backgrounds will explore how mediation strategies can be optimized in many different types of cases, including: personal injuring, insurance coverage, employment, medical malpractices, and workers’ compensation. In addition to exploring common considerations (and potential missteps) in mediation, panelists will expand beyond the basics, to discuss the impact of professionalism and civility in dispute resolution, ethical dilemmas that arise in mediation, and the impact of changing practices — such as the incorporation of technology and the disappearing opening statement — on the mediation process. Attendees will gain valuable insight into how to strategically integrate mediation into litigation, navigate ethical challenges, and enhance effectiveness through best practices.
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In-person attendees can join Navigating the Mediation Maze in the Auditorium:
11:15am to 12:15pm
This session will be live-streamed to virtual attendees.
Charles McDaniel, Jr., Esq.
Panel Moderator
Charles M. McDaniel Jr. brings over 35 years of legal experience — most as a trial lawyer with an “AV Preeminent” Martindale-Hubbell rating — to his work in mediation and conflict resolution. Having tried more than 75 cases to verdict and resolved thousands through mediation, he draws on deep expertise in litigation strategies and complex disputes, including catastrophic injury, wrongful death, construction defects, and insurance matters. Known for his big-picture perspective and tailored approach, Charles helps parties find common ground and achieve practical, mutually satisfactory resolutions.
Ivy R. White, Esq.
Ivy White is an attorney, mediator, business consultant, and Legal Studies professor at Georgia State University with experience in family law, personal injury, workers’ compensation, insurance defense, collections, and business law. She represents a wide range of clients and draws on her diverse background and compassion to craft unique solutions. An Atlanta native, Ivy has worked with respected law firms, clerked in Fulton County Superior Court, and continues to balance her legal career with teaching and mentoring.
Tami Ayres, Esq.
Tami Ayres is a civil trial lawyer with over 30 years of experience representing clients in cases involving medical negligence, aviation disasters, nursing home negligence, product liability, toxic torts, and serious accidents. She has litigated in State, Superior, and Federal Courts across Georgia and the Southeast, and has been recognized as a Georgia Super Lawyer with an AV®Preeminent™ rating for the highest legal ability and ethical standards.
Steve Wolfe, Esq.
Steve is a full-time mediator and registered neutral with GODR. For nearly 20 years, he litigatted employment and workplace rights cases, co-founding Legare, Attwood & Wolfe, LLC, and achieving favorable results in trials, appeals, and the Georgia Supreme Courts. Recognized as a Georgia Super Lawyer and AV Preeminent-rated, he has led professional associations and serves on the Board of the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation.
Full Agenda
The program will run from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (full agenda outlined below)
Those attending via livestream will not have access to view sessions presented in Room A, but will have access to a recording of these sessions (and all others) during the month of December (2025). Those attending the conference in person will have a choice between three breakout sessions, held at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:15 PM. Like livestream attendees, a recording of all sessions will be available to in-person attendees for the month of December (2025).
Time
7:30 am - 8:30 am
8:30 am - 8:45 am
8:45 am - 9:45 am
9:45 am - 10:00 am
10:00 am - 11:00 am
10:00 am - 11:00 am
11:00 am - 11:15 am
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
2:00 pm - 2:15 pm
2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
3:15 pm - 3:30 pm
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
4:30 pm
4:30 pm
Session(s)
Registration & Breakfast
Welcome and Program Overview
Break
Art & Science of Curiosity in Difficult Convos
Break
Lunch & Award Presentation
Working with Parties w/Behavior Health Challenges
Break
Effective Preparation for Med./Arb. Prelim Hearings
Break
Professionalism and the Role of Civility
Closing
Continuing Education Information
Navigating the Mediation Maze is approved for 1 hour of CE for registered neutrals (GA) & 1 hour of CLE for Georgia attorneys, including 1 trial hour (pending).
The total conference is approved for 6 hours of CE for registered neutrals and is approved by the State Bar of Georgia for 6 CLE hours, including trial, ethics, and professionalism credit.
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All CE for neutrals registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution will be automatically applied by December 1.
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Georgia Attorneys who purchase the appropriate ticket option will have CLE hours automatically reported to the State Bar of Georgia. The fee for CLE hours is included in the ticket price.
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Attorneys from states other than Georgia: Upon request, we will be happy to assist you with needed documentation to self-report hours to your local State Bar. Please reach out to us at adrinstitute@georgiacourts.gov.
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