UPDATE: For security purposes, please be sure that you are running the latest version of the Zoom app on your device.
With many in the Legal community working remotely during the “shelter in place” orders to stop the transmission and spread of the Covid-19 Virus, Cerveris Mediation is now offering our services via the Zoom Video Conference Platform. Zoom is easy to use and will enable us to provide encrypted, confidential mediation services remotely via video and/or telephone conferencing. Prior to any mediation, we will make ourselves available to communicate telephonically with Counsel and clients to walk you through the Zoom Setup process and to demonstrate how the program works.
Here are some Guidelines to get you up and running in just a few minutes:
- You will need a reliable internet connection and one of the following: a desktop or laptop computer, iPad, Surface Pro or similar tablet or a cell phone. To use the video function, your device will need a built-in camera or you can connect a web camera to your device.
- Prior to the Mediation it is recommended that you navigate to the Zoom website at zoom.us. Here you can sign up to use Zoom for free. Follow the prompts provided on the Zoom website to download the program to your device. You should test to make sure your device’s camera and microphone are on and properly adjusted. The Zoom prompts will assist you with those functions.
- Prior to the Mediation you will receive an email Invitation to “Join the Zoom Mediation Meeting.” In the email you will see a hyperlink that looks like this:
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/123456789 (your meeting number will be different)
Click on the hyperlink and, if you already downloaded Zoom to your device, you will be sent to a “Waiting Room” where you will wait to be admitted by the Mediator. If you have not yet downloaded Zoom, you will need to sign up for a free account with Zoom prior to joining the meeting (See No. 2 above).
On the email Invitation, you will also find call-in numbers for those who wish to participate by phone only. Simply dial the desired geographic phone number. You will need to provide the Meeting Number and Password referenced in the email Invitation to join the Mediation. You also have the option of using only the audio function on Zoom without appearing on video.
There will be Confidential Breakout Rooms for each group of participants (Plaintiffs, Defendants, etc.) and additional Breakout Rooms for private caucuses with any combination of attorneys and/or clients as needed.
The Zoom website has many video tutorials you can access for free. Here is a link to a Zoom Introductory video you should find helpful before you begin:
Please contact our staff with any questions you have regarding the use of Remote/Virtual Mediation services through Zoom. You are also welcome to contact Steve Cerveris directly on his cell (818) 209-6247 with any questions.
