Page 29 - Pierce County Lawyer - March April 2025

When do I walk away?
Is it ever appropriate to walk off the dance floor and leave? Maybe,
yes, but not forever. Many clients will feel like storming off,
particularly when they feel like they’ve been stuck in the insult zone
too long. One helpful tool I use for my own psyche as a mediator is
that I remind myself over 92% of cases settle short of trial.
However, if it is time to walk away, remember you have a friend who
can get you back on the dance floor. Many attorneys forget to re-
engage with the mediator. While a good mediator will reach back out
to you, they are not mind readers. When there’s been a sudden break
in the case, motions won, evidence excluded, or a change of judge,
ping your mediator. He or she can make the first phone call and get
the dance moving again.
In conclusion, remember these three things:
1. 2. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to dance.
Be slow with your moves.
3. Trust the process.
Michelle Luna has practiced in Pierce County
for over 25 years. Her mediation practice focuses
on Complex Personal Injury, Police Use of Force,
Government Liability, Medical Malpractice,
Employment and Personal Injury. She also serves as
the Chief Civil Deputy for the Prosecuting Attorneys
Office. Email Michelle@lunamediation.com
Thank you for voting u
Thank you for voting us
Thank you for voting us
Best Personal Injury La
Best Personal Injury Law
Best Personal Injury Law
of 2024.
of 2024.
of 2024.
Recent awards of
Recent awards of
Recent awards of
$14.9M, $1.86M,
$14.9M, $1.86M,
$14.9M, $1.86M,
and $1.25M.
and $1.25M.
and $1.25M.
Available for association.
Available for associatio
Available for association.
As discussed with 60 Minutes, Mark successfully represented victim
families in the two Boeing 737 Max 8 crashes and currently represents
victims in the Alaska Airlines Max 9 door plug blowout.
As discussed with 60 Minutes, Mark successfully represented victim
As discussed with 60 Minutes, Mark successfully represented victim
families in the two Boeing 737 Max 8 crashes and currently represents
families in the two Boeing 737 Max 8 crashes and currently represents
victims in the Alaska Airlines Max 9 door plug blowout.
victims in the Alaska Airlines Max 9 door plug blowout.
M a r c h /A p r i l 2 0 2 5 | P I E R C E C O U N T Y L A W Y E R 2 9