Author Archives: abfifer

Unbelievable

January 20, 2018 – 5:32 pm

Two cases played out in U.S. courtrooms this week that can best be summed up in the word “evil.” One is the sentencing hearing for sports doctor Larry Nassar, where dozens of women are describing the impact of his sexual abuse on their lives. The other is the arraignment of a couple who have been […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Unbelievable

Trying to Add a Provision that Wasn’t in the Mediated Agreement

January 16, 2018 – 5:53 pm

The parties to a divorce, both represented by attorneys, reached an agreement in mediation and placed it orally on the record, stating that it was “final and binding.” While subsequently drafting the judgment of divorce, Husband’s attorney requested a clause that the parties had agreed to during the mediation. Wife’s attorney initially consented, then refused. […]

Posted in Learnings from Mediation | Comments Off on Trying to Add a Provision that Wasn’t in the Mediated Agreement

The Dark Side of Confidentiality

December 28, 2017 – 12:35 pm

Some of the women who are disclosing sexual harassment recently are breaching confidentiality agreements to do so. Last week, U.S. Olympic gymnast Mikayla Maroney revealed that she had reached a private settlement with USA Gymnastics regarding Larry Nassar last December, and Zelda Perkins disclosed that she reached a settlement with Harvey Weinstein years ago; in […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Dark Side of Confidentiality

MSU Mediation Ends

December 15, 2017 – 4:50 pm

Mediation of federal lawsuits between MSU and women who were victims of Larry Nassar is complete. The parties agreed back in August to three months of mediation. One of the plaintiff attorneys, Mick Grewal, stated then that they hoped to receive sexual abuse counseling for the victims, as well as changes in policies and procedures at […]

Posted in Apologies, Learnings from Mediation | Comments (1)

Matt Lauer Apology Gets a B+

November 30, 2017 – 3:43 pm

Matt Lauer, the 20-year host of the Today show, issued an apology today after being fired from NBC News yesterday in response to allegations of sexual harassment. The apology isn’t too bad. It includes responsibility and regret, as well as some thoughtful phrases like, “I realize the depth of the damage and the disappointment I have left behind …” […]

Posted in Apologies | Comments Off on Matt Lauer Apology Gets a B+