Feb. 4, 2026
Why litigation leaves everyone wrecked and the role of mediators after ABA Opinion 518
ABA Formal Opinion 518 reshapes but does not eliminate the ability of skilled mediators to ethically guide parties from litigation trauma to resolution.
Leonid M. Zilberman
Partner
Wilson Turner Kosmo LLP
Phone: (619) 236-9600
Email: lzilberman@wilsonturnerkosmo.com
Lonny practices employment law, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as mediation and alternative dispute resolution and provides anti-harassment and other employment-related training to California Employers.
Many mediators quote Voltaire's famous words regarding the high cost of litigation: "I never was but twice in my life completely on the verge of ruin -- first, when I lost a lawsuit, and secondly, when I won one." This insight highlights that the financial and emotional drain of lawsuits makes the winner nearly as drained as the loser. ABA Formal Opinion 518, issued on Oct. 15, 2025, seems like it may...
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