Creative Mediation, by Thomas Glick, covers a wide range of topics and concepts related to mediation. The book comes in paperback with a glossy finish and a creative illustration of two men squaring off in a boxing ring, both men appear ready to fight. They are there with gloves donned in the ring and ready to rumble. Upon further review you, won’t be fooled into thinking that the two men are fit. Instead, they are beady-eyed, blue-suit and red tie wearing fat men. Presumably, these are the lawyers you’ve hired to work for you.

Before the meat of the book is served, Glick writes about his transition from lawyer to mediator. He gives insight for anyone who may feel that they are travelling down a road akin to the author. From first year Miami associate to an enlightened mediator with over 7,500 cases mediated, Glick reviews his credentials painlessly.

In Creative Mediation, Glick covers the basics of the process of mediating with a short and crisp style. The book goes on to discuss why parties who mediate can often both win their cases. The author’s background tilts towards his experience as a Florida mediatior. Glick then gives his readers his personal insight as to why mediating works so well – The Need to Be Heard. Then, he gives anecdotal evidence from his professional experience.

The book shows how a mediator can guide parties to do the right thing during the settlement process. Moreover, Glick reveals how structured settlements that can’t be readily used in a final judgment can be utilized in negotiations. The book has a few words of wisdom on family law cases and then develops thoughtful concepts that both new and experienced mediators will find useful.

Creative Mediation, is a great read and instructive at the same time. Glick’s writing style is thoughtful and well-developed for the topic. The main audience for this book is mediators, lawyers and attorneys seeking insight into the mediation process, or better yet law school students who want to avoid the pitfalls of Glick’s experience.