Ellison / Fantagraphics mediation delayed
As previously reported, the scheduled mediation in the civil case between Harlan Ellison and Fantagraphics Press, originally scheduled for May 29 in the 9th Circuit Court in Santa Monica California, has been delayed until June 28. "As to the postponement of the court-mandated mediation hearing that was scheduled for the 29 of May, which did not transpire, I am disappointed. Very disappointed. Very, very disappointed."
John Carmichael, Harlan’s lawyer, explained that he received a call from Fantagraphics lawyer,, A. J. Thomas, saying that Gary had a prior commitment that he either didn’t know about or tell his lawyer about at the time. Carmichael had hoped the mediator would have time in the first week of June, but she only had June 23-28. She explained that it is her policy to only re-schedule once. The reason Gary could not be in California on May 29 was his commitment to be at Book Expo in New York City, which begins June 1. "I’m focused on getting the case settled, and if not, winning the case," he said.
Does he expect this to be resolved in one session?
"I don’t know," Carmichael replied. "The Ninth Circuit has a very detailed sophisticated mediation program where they have court-appointed mediation lawyers. This woman is flying down from San Francisco. The parties are in separate rooms, they’re together at the beginning and make a statement, so each side feels heard, and then she separates them and they go into separate rooms and she shuttles between them. It’s a great process. It’s a great way to solve the problem."
Let us hope.