Review of Fairly Legal

Fairly Legal (2011–2012)
4/10
Gets the Mediation Wrong
10 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I am a former mediator. How the mediation is done on this show is not realistic. But, if they did it the way we do it, the show would have far less action and a lot less confrontation, so, it would probably not make for an interesting show.

Specific problems with the show: 1. The whole idea is for the mediator to help the clients find THEIR solution to the problem so THEY feel like they are in control and resolved their problem, not to hand them a solution. That's how you make them reach a win/win solution. 2. The judges appreciate us versus thinking we are a problem for them. If we are effective, it reduces their work loads and expedites justice. The legal system is over-loaded. 3. We keep our clients from yelling at each other, we want to end the confrontation, not let it continue. If they are yelling, they are not listening. 4. Mediations of the nature she is doing take us no more then about 2 hours. And I have a very high success rate in that 2 hour time frame. 5. I have never had anyone walk out on a mediation and this lady has it happen every week. But then she lets her clients yell at each.

Finally, what was the locker room scene in the show about a coach and his player? What was she trying to accomplish standing up on a bench preaching at the team? Was it just an opportunity to show handsome young men standing around in nothing but towels? She wasn't really threatened, so it seemed totally unnecessary. This comment isn't a spoiler, because this scene is totally irrelevant to the story. That's the problem, it had nothing to do with the story. That was just a poor plot-line, poor writing.

Finally, for the incredible mediator she is supposed to be, she sure seems at conflict with almost everyone else around, for no real apparent reason. Seems to me to be pretty poor at handling issues.
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