Judge: "[Court] Trials are civilized combat."
An example of an opening statement to a jury: you've got the facts, the law, and your common sense.
Judge Conrad Rushing on CMCs:
1) Make every appearance count; and
2) Don't continue it out. [i.e., avoid continuances.]
California has a 95% settlement rate, i.e., 95% of cases in the state do not go to trial.
In mediation, if there is an impasse, ask the side that is refusing to budge the following questions:
1. What do you think the case is worth?
2. If they offered that much, how much would you counter with?
