These days, most legal disputes end up being settled. However, the road to a settlement is anything but direct or simple. There are numerous variables and factors that must be considered along the way, including crucial case elements, applicable laws, your client's needs and your opponent. Then there is the art of negotiation – which is absolutely essential if you want to arrive at a settlement that is satisfactory to you and your client.

Knowledge and preparation are two of the keys to getting the settlement result you want. Order today to learn the ins and outs of the settlement process. Right from the convenience of your desk, you can find out how to develop a settlement strategy early in the case. You'll also discover the secrets to successful negotiation, confidently handling settlement conferences and understanding the role of mediation in settlements.

1. Determining a Settlement Strategy Early On
2. The Settlement Process
3. Dealing with ASERMELY/DeMarco (Plaintiff and Defendant Standpoint)
4. Ethical Considerations
5. How to Succeed at Settlement Conferences
6. Techniques for Winning Strong Settlement Awards
7. Mock Settlement Negotiation
8. Using Arbitration When Mediation Doesn't Work

1. DETERMINING A SETTLEMENT STRATEGY EARLY ON
   9:00 - 9:45, Christopher E. Hultquist and David J. Oliveira
   1. Evaluating the Client's Goals
   2. Developing a Framework for Settlement Negotiations
   3. Determining the Strength of the Case for a Trial
      1. Litigating vs. Settling
      2. Costs vs. Benefits
2. THE SETTLEMENT PROCESS
   9:45 - 10:30, Gerald C. DeMaria Sr.
   1. Opening Communication
   2. Keeping a Broad Viewpoint
   3. Knowing the Case, the Risks and Your Opponent
   4. Being Creative and Flexible
   5. Making Offers and Counteroffers
   6. Effective Negotiation Techniques
   7. Common Negotiating Mistakes
   8. What Happens at Settlement Conferences
3. DEALING WITH ASERMELY/DEMARCO (PLAINTIFF AND DEFENDANT STANDPOINTS)
   10:45 - 11:30, Gerald C. DeMaria Sr.
4. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
   11:30 - 12:30, Gerald C. DeMaria Sr.
   1. Rules of Professional Conduct
   2. Conflicts of Interest
   3. Confidentiality
5. HOW TO SUCCEED AT SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES
   1:30 - 2:15, Christopher E. Hultquist and David J. Oliveira
   1. Maintaining Open Communication and Establishing a Compromise
   2. Solving Problems and Unfair Settlement Practices
   3. Evaluating Settlement Offers
   4. Documenting the Settlement
   5. Releases and Covenants
6. TECHNIQUES FOR WINNING STRONG SETTLEMENT AWARDS
   2:15 - 3:00, Christopher E. Hultquist and David J. Oliveira
   1. Supporting Documentation for a Settlement Award
   2. Presenting Award Scenarios for Comparison
   3. Using Dramatic Graphs
   4. Proposing Settlement Amounts Incrementally
   5. Asking for the Highest Reasonable Award
7. MOCK SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATION
   3:15 - 3:45, Panel discussion with all faculty
8. USING ARBITRATION WHEN MEDIATION DOESN'T WORK
   3:45 - 4:30, Christopher E. Hultquist and David J. Oliveira
   1. When to Consider Arbitration
   2. Effective Arbitration Preparation
   3. Stages in the Arbitration Process
   4. Bringing the Arbitration Process to a Successful Conclusion

GERALD C. DeMARIA SR. is a partner in the Providence law firm of Higgins, Cavanagh & Cooney LLP, where he practices in the areas of automobile products liability, motorcycle products liability and general products liability. He earned his A.B. degree from Providence College and LL.B. degree from Suffolk University Law School, where he was an editorial writer for the Suffolk University Law Review. Mr. DeMaria is a member of the Rhode Island and American bar associations, the Defense Research Institute (co-chair, Recreational Products Division of the Product Liability Sub-Section), the Association for Automotive Medicine, the Rhode Island Inn of Courts, the Rhode Island Defense Research Institute, the Products Liability Advisory Council (invited sustaining member), the Trial Attorneys of America, the Practicing Law Institute (lecturing member) and the International Association of Defense Council. He also is a fellow of the Rhode Island Bar Foundation.

CHRISTOPHER E. HULTQUIST is a partner with the Providence law firm of DarrowEverett LLP. He represents plaintiffs throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts in personal injury matters, including medical malpractice, product liability and pharmaceutical litigation. Mr. Hultquist is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association, Rhode Island Association for Justice and American Association for Justice. He earned his B.A. degree from Boston College and J.D. degree from Suffolk University Law School.

DAVID J. OLIVEIRA maintains a practice in Providence, where he practices in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury, construction and surety law, and complex litigation. Mr. Oliveira has written and lectured extensively on medical, personal injury, and trial practice topics, for professional and civic groups. He also is an adjunct professor of law and medicine, advanced torts, trial advocacy, and advanced trial advocacy at Roger Williams University School of Law. Mr. Oliveira is a member of the Rhode Island, Massachusetts and American bar associations; the Rhode Island Bar Foundation; the American Association for Justice; the American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics; and the Rhode Island Association for Justice. Mr. Oliveira earned his B.A. degree, cum laude, from Bridgewater State College; and his J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from Boston College Law School.

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