“Meet and Confer” is a concept that crops up frequently in housing, contract, and environmental law. It is an informal process in which parties engaged in a dispute come together to discuss and negotiate related issues. The aim of the process is to resolve disputes in a manner that is more efficient and cost-effective than litigating in court.
As a business professional, the ability to make the most out of your “meet and confer” sessions is essential. This process can save you time, money, and stress, but it requires an immense amount of preparation and clear communication. Here are some key strategies to help you get the most out of your ‘meet and confer’ :
Acknowledge Common Goals
When engaged in a “meet and confer” session, it’s important to remember that both parties have common goals. If two parties are in conflict, it is likely that they have different approaches to resolving the issue, but they still want to reach a mutually beneficial agreement in the end. Acknowledging this can help create a more constructive, collaborative environment. This is especially true in environmental law, where the parties involved may have diametrically opposed views but still share an interest in finding a resolution that is beneficial to the environment.
Be Prepared to Compromise
In order to resolve a dispute through “meet and confer,” both parties must be willing to compromise. It’s important to come to the session with a clear understanding of what compromises you are willing to make and which ones are off-limits. Compromising does not mean surrendering your position. It means that you are open to constructive discussion and can come to an agreement that meets both parties’ needs.
Clear and Open Communication
In order to make the most out of your “meet and confer” session, it’s essential to have clear and open communication. It is important to understand the opposing party’s point of view and for them to understand yours. This means that both parties must be willing to listen to one another and put aside their own interests for the sake of finding a resolution that works best for everyone.
Seek Professional Advice
In some cases, it can be beneficial to enlist the support of a professional advisor. This can be a lawyer, mediator, or other professional with expertise in the relevant field. They can provide valuable advice and guidance on how to approach the ‘meet and confer’ session and may be able to help resolve the dispute in a more effective manner.
‘Meet and Confer’ is a great tool for resolving disputes in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Armed with the right strategies and the willingness to compromise, you can make the most out of your ‘meet and confer’ session and work towards a resolution that is beneficial to everyone involved.