Principles of Conduct For Professionals and Clients

• No one threatens litigation as a means of obtaining an advantage.

• The professionals maintain a safe container for the process; professionals are the guardians and guides of the process – the clients own the outcome.

• Professionals must detach from the outcome.

• Respectful business-like behavior. No interrupting, name calling, belittling or threats.

• The professionals must model for the clients a commitment to honesty and respectful discussion of difficult issues.

• Come prepared for meetings; do your homework.

• No unnecessary delving into past events.

• Principled discussions are productive, arguments are pointless.

• No positional behavior (don’t pee on the fireplug; be careful where you plant the flag).

• All team members are open, truthful, and cooperative. The professionals must trust one another and address any trust issues.

• Ask questions without judgment.

• Listen to what each participant is saying.

• No substantive agreements can be reached without all parties-lawyers in the loop.  Everything that is discussed does not need to be shared.