How to Increase Settlement Rates Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, distance mediation was used; however, not extensively and historically, settlement rates were significantly lower than traditional “face-to-face” mediations. With social distancing now in place, mediating by phone and/or video conferencing is getting a closer look. Although the mediation process essentially remains the same for distance mediations, it needs review to determine what is effective and what needs to be reconsidered. There are three key areas that require investigation: technology and equipment, preparation by the mediator as well as the participants, and confidentiality. By tailoring the process for distance mediation, it…