Mediation Bootcamp Series Part 2: Mock Mediation in Action
Part 2 of our Mediation Bootcamp Series will consist of a practical demonstration of mediation in action. Our panelists, plaintiff’s counsel Bill Munoz, defense counsel Courtney O’Brien, and mediator Peter Linn will mediate this employment dispute and you the audience can decide: should they take the settlement or not?
Kari Jones, a 38-year-old divorced mother of two, worked as an account manager for MerchCo for four years, receiving pay raises and merit bonuses for three of those years. During her fourth year, her male supervisor, Mike, disciplined her for excessive absences, placed her on a performance plan, and denied her a raise or bonus. Kari alleges that Mike, who has been with the company for ten years, made unwelcome sexual advances, which she ignored. She claims that after rejecting his advances, Mike retaliated by using her absences as grounds for discipline. Although an independent investigation uncovered a suggestive email from Mike, no further evidence supported her claims, and the case was closed without action. Kari subsequently resigned and is now suing MerchCo and Mike for constructive termination, hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and retaliation