Cooper Mediation Inc.

Vancestock XV was an evening to remember! With nearly 140 tickets sold, Revival was buzzing with energy throughout the evening. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have now raised over $40,000 for Trails Youth Initiatives, nearly 90% of our $45,000 fundraising goal, and there’s still time to donate! A heartfelt thank you to Tommy Youngsteen, Aphrose, Mike T. Kerr and Sandra Bouza for an incredible evening of songs and stories, and to Logan Cooper, who performed a beautiful tribute to her beloved mother, the late Susan Cooper. We were also grateful to have members of the Trails team, including Janelle Dayman, Whitney Murrell, Tahirah Stanley and Trails alumni, including our speaker, Alisha Cater (Trails alumni and family law mediator) and Devon Corsinie (Trails alumni, George Brown student and event photographer), for joining us for the evening. Their presence was an important reminder of what Vancestock is all about and the impact Trails continues to have on young people. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success!   Here are some photos and videos from the evening, with many more to come! *Tribute Song to Susan Cooper (https://lnkd.in/gbi8_8dx) *Angel From Montgomery (https://lnkd.in/g3sMZU3e) *The Weight (https://lnkd.in/gdPGwxcr) We’re so close to our $45,000 goal. If you’d like to help us get there, you can still donate. https://lnkd.in/g-Py4ASU Thank you for making Vancestock XV such a memorable night.

Vancestock XV is getting some attention ahead of October 1, with TorontoToday shining a spotlight on this year’s event and our continued support of Trails Youth Initiatives. The article highlights this year’s more intimate listening-room format, with Tommy Youngsteen, Aphrose, Mike T. Kerr and Sandra Bouza sharing the stories behind their music and performing their songs in support of Trails. Over the past 14 years, Vancestock has raised more than $500,000 for Trails and the important work it does with young people. We’re looking forward to bringing everyone together again on Thursday, October 1 at Revival Event Venue for year 15. Thank you to TorontoToday.ca for helping spread the word. *Donate to Vancestock XV: https://lnkd.in/g-Py4ASU *Buy tickets to the show: https://lnkd.in/gZ7dSvQV *Read the feature: https://lnkd.in/gsba45P6

We’re pleased to share that Jonathan Cooper is featured in the September 2026 issue of Without Prejudice (WP), published by the Ontario Insurance Adjusters Association (OIAA) - Provincial. Jon’s article, “When To Mediate Early? A Practical Guide,” looks at what early mediation is, how it differs from traditional mediation, and why parties may benefit from engaging in the process sooner. Read the issue. https://lnkd.in/gpdqSmRK

Cooper Mediation is honoured to be recognized in the 2027 Best Law Firms – Canada Rankings for excellence in dispute resolution. Although we are not a law firm, this acknowledgment reflects the confidence placed in us by the legal and insurance professionals we work with and for that we are very thankful. We remain committed to providing thoughtful and effective mediation services. More information is available here: https://lnkd.in/gs5EFp-r

Great news! Registration for Vancestock XV is now open. Join us on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Revival in Toronto for an intimate evening of songs and stories featuring Tommy Youngsteen, Aphrose, Mike T. Kerr and Sandra Bouza. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with grazing tables and passed bites before the show begins at 7:00 PM. The artists will share the stories behind their songs and then perform them, with special guests and surprises throughout the evening. With seating for the first 125 guests, space is more limited than in previous years. Early registration is encouraged. All proceeds support the important work of Trails Youth Initiatives. Reserve your seat and help us make Vancestock XV a memorable night for a great cause. Click to donate and reserve your seat. https://lnkd.in/g-Py4ASU

Mediation Myths Series - #1: “Settlement Solves Everything” Settlement brings certainty and closure, which has enormous value. But settlement does not turn back time, restore health, or undo years of stress, uncertainty, and all of the other “joys” of litigation. One thing I have observed as a mediator is that, for some people, a lawsuit gradually becomes intertwined with their sense of identity. That is true for all parties. For plaintiffs, the case can become part of how they understand what happened to them and how they explain their experience to others. It can also be true for the professionals involved. Over time, a case can become framed around winning or losing, being vindicated or being proven wrong, paying too much or accepting too little. When a case settles, there can be relief. But there can also be disappointment, frustration, or grief. For plaintiff counsel, part of the challenge is helping clients understand that moving forward may require accepting a reality that looks very different from the life that existed before the dispute arose. For defence counsel and insurers, settlement may involve recommending or agreeing to payment in a case they believe is defensible, uncertain, or overvalued. This doesn't mean settlement isn't worthwhile. But it does require an acknowledgment that resolution is often not the end of a journey, but rather the beginning of a new chapter. When negotiations at mediation become all about the numbers, it's important to remember that people are actually making decisions about what comes next. ***In your experience, is there a difference between settling a case and helping parties move forward from it?***

***Opening Statement Strategies in Roster Mediations*** In a roster mediation, time is limited. With only three hours scheduled to negotiate, it's important to be intentional about how that time is used. If you plan to conduct a joint session with opening remarks, consider the following 4 points: 1. Ask whether the other side has read your brief. If they have, don't spend valuable time repeating what has already been communicated. If they haven't, take the time necessary to ensure your position is understood and the key issues are clearly framed. 2. Focus on what matters. Liability concerns, causation disputes, credibility issues, damages gaps, and procedural barriers can all be important. The question is: which of those issues are actually driving the negotiation gap? Use your opening to address the issues that matter most. Spending time on weaker arguments or peripheral points can dilute your message and cost you credibility. 3. Set the tone and create momentum. Your opening can influence how the entire negotiation unfolds. Speak in language that is accessible to your audience. Where appropriate, identify areas of agreement before turning to the points of disagreement. Finding common ground early can help create momentum toward resolution. 4. Respect the clock. In short mediations, discipline matters. Mark Twain is often credited with saying, "I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead." The same principle applies to mediation openings. Brevity often requires more preparation but it is usually more effective. The shortest opening I have ever seen lasted less than a minute. It simply acknowledged the other side's position, identified two major issues preventing settlement, and invited a discussion about how to bridge the gap. It was remarkably effective. What's the shortest opening you've ever given or received at mediation? Did it help move the case toward resolution?