Working with High Conflict Clients and Opposing Counsel

High conflict disputes are increasing in every legal setting, especially in family law. As the pandemic and shut-downs persist, families grow more stressed and those with high conflict personalities involved may become more aggressive. These disputes often involve one or more people with high-conflict behavior, characterized by:

• All-or-nothing thinking
• Unmanaged emotions 
• Extreme behavior 
• Preoccupation with blaming others
• Prolonged, unresolved conflict
• Drawing in many other people

Yet these disputes can generally be managed by understanding high conflict personalities and using skills to manage the dispute that are often different from ordinary conflict resolution methods. They are not bad; they don't know their behaviors are working against them. There is a way to improve interactions with people who display high conflict patterns of behavior but it’s opposite of what we know to do and are used to doing, or what we feel like doing.

This entertaining and educational training by high conflict expert, Megan Hunter, MBA, unveils the driving force behind their behaviors and how to take opposite actions, which are not obvious or natural, with those who exhibit these behaviors. Part 1 covers the brain interactions in high conflict disputes and an overview of the 5 high conflict types. Part 2 focuses on the necessary skills for handling high conflict clients, including EAR Statements®, BIFF Communications, QLOA Thinking, and Setting Limits. Part 3 includes quick tips for mediating high conflict disputes which requires a paradigm shift, and an overview of New Ways for Families online course for parents (and children). Part 4  focuses on dealing with high conflict opposing counsel, which is one of the most requested training topics.

Presenter: 

Megan Hunter, MBA, CEO/Co-Founder High Conflict Institute

Cancellations: the cost of the CLE will be credited to your MCBA account if the CLE is canceled in one of the two manners listed below:

 1) MCBA cancels or postpones the CLE or

 2) At least two business days prior to the program, MCBA receives your cancellation, in writing, via email at (cle@maricopabar.org). Please note a $25.00 administrative fee applies. 

If you registered and paid, but could not attend, you may request that materials be sent to you, free of charge.