Here are the general steps in mediation
1. Agreement to mediate is executed
2. Mediator is chosen and agreed to by the parties
3. A location is chosen agreeable to both parties
4. Mediation briefs of filed by plaintiff and defendant (see below)
5. Mediation sessions are held (will usually start out with joint session with both parties present, then move to “break-out” sessions where the mediator meets individually with parties to ferret out their position and to discuss case strengths and weaknesses).
6. Settlement is reached (and a settlement agreement is reduced to writing.
7. Agreement is put on record with the Court (notice of settlement is filed, etc)