Earlier this month, I had the honor of speaking with Forbes True Crime reporter Brittany Lewis about the recent San Francisco $59M sexual assault jury verdict against actor and comedian Bill Cosby.
We discussed some of the possible reasons the jury may have reached this verdict and what may come after, including whether mediation or settlement discussions are likely in a case of this size and visibility.
As a full‑time mediator and neutral with a background representing clients in complex employment matters, I am often brought in post‑verdict or mid‑appeal to help outside counsel, in‑house teams, and carriers evaluate risk, costs, privacy considerations, and the potential value of a mediated resolution.
Post‑verdict mediation can, in the right cases:
• provide a more controlled forum for negotiating high‑exposure outcomes
• reduce further litigation spend and uncertainty over extended appeals
• allow parties to craft practical, business‑aligned solutions that courts may not offer
I am grateful to Forbes for the opportunity to speak to these issues and to highlight the role that mediation can play in high‑profile and sensitive disputes.
Watch the full video on https://youtu.be/8naPmwFv6uQ?si=iqx6i1kHlCkk5Qah