\”Seating arrangements are an aspect of mediation over which the mediator has the most control. Thus, the mediator can use seating arrangements to set the tone of a mediation before the parties arrive. This paper will analyze the use of seating arrangements to set the tone of a mediation before the parties arrive. Section II describes the importance of seating arrangments in mediation. Section II explains the psychological effects of seating arrangements on the mediating parties. Section IV provides examples of different seating arrangements. Section V presents other considerations the mediator must contemplate before using seating arrangements. Section VI describes ideas that will help a mediator execute a planned seating arrangement. Finally, section VII concludes that every mediator should carefully consider seating arrangments before mediation.\”
