Reference for ZOOM Video Conference

HELPFUL NOTES FOR VIRTUAL MEDIATION BY ZOOM

Advance preparation for the ZOOM Mediation via computer attendance:

  1. Download the free ZOOM App at http://zoom.us/download
  2. Make sure you have a strong and secure WI-FI connection. Do not use public access WI-FI.
  3. Make sure you have a computer with a camera and that the camera is unobstructed and turned on. Make sure your computer’s microphone and speakers are turned on or you have microphone and speaker attachments/accessories.
  4. It is best to have some light on your face with the light source facing you.
  5. Beware of your background, keep it professional and neat, as people will see it.
  6. If you have trouble hearing, or there is noise around you, consider wearing a headset.
  7. You may want to get with your attorney and schedule a “dry run” with the Mediator. We would be happy to set that up so you get used to using the ZOOM platform and the process.  Simply e-mail galbrecht@albrechtmediation.com  and request a practice session.

Attending the ZOOM Mediation via computer:

  1. Click on the emailed link to join the ZOOM meeting.
  2. Make sure you join with your camera on and by using the computer’s audio. The camera switch is on the bottom left of the ZOOM window screen. Make sure there is no red line through the camera because this indicates that it is in the “off” position.
  3. Sometimes when you join, you will be out in the “Waiting Room”. The Mediator will have to admit you to the main conference room.  All you need to do is wait for the Mediator.  Sometimes, you may go straight to the Main Conference Room where everyone is gathering.
  4. Once you are in the Main Conference Room, everybody should be able to see and hear everyone else.
  5. You can mute your microphone by clicking on the microphone icon on the bottom left of your ZOOM screen. You should always mute your microphone when not speaking to cut down on background noise.  The microphone icon will have a red line through it when you are muted.
  6. Once the Mediator has completed the instructions for the mediation, the attorneys may give opening statements. We may have some discussion about the case and the issues with everybody in the Main Conference Room.
  7. Once the Opening Session is completed, the Mediator will create private Conference Rooms (aka Caucus Rooms) for the parties and their counsel. You will be assigned a conference room.  Simply select “Yes” when that pops up on your screen and you will be placed in that room with your counsel. The Mediator will go room to room to have private discussions with the parties.
  8. If at any time you would like to speak with your counsel in private, outside the presence of the Mediator, you can do that. The Mediator will leave your room, and you can call the Mediator back by pressing the “Help” button on the bottom of the screen.
  9. If there are any technical issues during the Mediation Conference, please call or text Mr. Albrecht at 813-220-6604.

Utilizing the phone via ZOOM Mediation:

It is possible to use the phone audio, rather than the computer, or only attend the conference by telephone.  Simply find the phone numbers on the link.  For those mediations in Florida, use the New York telephone number (Eastern Time).

The Mediation Settlement Agreement

If a settlement is reached at the Mediation Conference, Mr. Albrecht will send your attorney a Mediation Settlement Agreement via DocuSign or in a PDF document format.  The parties, and their counsel, are responsible for reviewing, and then signing the Mediation Settlement Agreement.

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