Resolution Systems Institute

Differences in legal knowledge, resources and confidence can create a stark imbalance in dispute resolution. That's why RSI developed its Power Imbalance Toolkit for mediators. The toolkit offers mediators concrete, context-specific strategies to recognize and respond to these challenges in real time.

Today's tips are designed to help mediators ensure parties understand court procedures and legal terms.

Watch for:
> The tenant staying silent and not asking questions even when issues or terms are complex
> The tenant nodding along but not saying anything

The mediator might be able to help by:
> Making it clear from the start of mediation that questions are expected and welcome
> Being proactive about explaining legal terms that come up
> Asking the tenant to restate what they have just heard in their own words

For a more in-depth look at ways to help parties understand court procedures and legal terms, as well as numerous additional scenarios and solutions, check out RSI's Power Imbalance Toolkit in our online Resource Center.

https://www.aboutrsi.org/mediation-power-imbalance-toolkit

It's been almost 5 years since RSI and Illinois' 16th Judicial Circuit launched the Kane County Eviction Mediation Program. A new blog by RSI's Sandy Wiegand looks at some of the program's accomplishments during that time. Check it out!

https://bit.ly/4cGN2lg

Congratulations to RSI Board Vice President Nancy Welsh!

ICYMI: Prof. Nancy Welsh was named the recipient of the 2026 American Bar Association, Section of Dispute Resolution Award for Outstanding Scholarly Work. As one of the nation’s foremost dispute resolution scholars, her work bridges theory and practice in a way that has influenced courts, practitioners, and scholars across the field. Read the full story.
https://hubs.li/Q048Lvbb0