(1 point in core area 3 - professional skills)
With mediation becoming almost compulsory in civil litigation, it was very important to prepare for it. Mediation was nothing like running a case in court and required thought and care to get the most out of it.
This important session brought together experienced mediators and practitioners on the panel to discuss how participants should go about preparing for a mediation. It covered topics including…
- Understanding why mediation is not like running a case in court
- Preparing yourself and your client for mediation
- Drafting a position paper
- Working out negotiating positions
- Dealing with problems that can arise during a mediation.
- Signing off on a deal at the end of a mediation
CHRIS ERSKINE SC
SENIOR COUNSEL I BLACKBURN CHAMBERS
Chris Erskine has been in practice in Canberra for the whole of his career. He began work as a prosecutor with the DPP, and in less than two years he had appeared as Crown Prosecutor in several jury trials as well as instructing the Director (Ian Temby QC) in the first serial murder trial that Canberra had seen. He moved to the Australian Government Solicitor in 1984 where he developed an interest in administrative law as well as commercial matters, and became the first in-house counsel appointed by the AGS in the ACT.
He moved to the private bar in 1992, and built on his 10 years’ experience with the government. He has appeared regularly in the Federal Court and the ACT Supreme Court and Magistrates Court, as well as the administrative tribunals of both the Commonwealth and the ACT.
In 2003 he was briefed by NSW to appear for the state in the ACT’s long-running coronial inquiry into the devastating 2003 bushfires that burned into Canberra. When several hundred plaintiffs subsequently sued NSW, he joined the team briefed to represent the state in that litigation. The case tested the boundaries of liability for government authorities in negligence, and involved careful analysis of how the High Court has developed this important area of the law.
In 2018, 2019, and 2020, Chris was recognised in Doyle’s Guide as a recommended Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution, and Wills & Estates Litigation Barrister in the ACT.
In 2019 he became a nationally accredited mediator available to facilitate the resolution of all types of civil disputes.
DETAILS
- This is an on-demand webinar you can watch at anytime - a link and password will be sent to you when you register
- Cost: Members - $25, Non-members $75
- CPD: Members will earn 1 CPD points in core area 3
- This event was recorded as part of the March Mastery on Wednesday 5 March 2026
- This recording will expire on 31 December 2026
Registration
| Member | $25.00(GST incl.) | Register |
| Non-Member | $75.00(GST incl.) | Register |
