The mediator does not function as a judge.  The mediator’s role is not to provide legal advice, or to be an advocate for the party that may be the most likely to prevail in court.

Instead, the role of the mediator is to provide a neutral forum and to facilitate the development of an acceptable solution to the problem at hand.    While the laws and legal precedent will be instrumental in determining a “winner” if the matter goes to arbitration or court, the goal of the mediation is to help the parties reach a solution acceptable to them (rather than having the result determined for them by a judge, jury, or arbitrator).

As a participant in a mediation, what should you do?  First, work with your legal counsel to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your case.  Second, think about a solution that might be in your best interest and also acceptable to the opposing party.  Third, understand that successful mediation usually results from the participation and hard work of all the parties involved in the mediation to develop an acceptable resolution.

The Arizona Republic reports that according to Lori Singleton, a Salt River Project (SRP) manager, it has been difficult to find enough viable projects that might benefit from these funds.  The purpose of the funds is to promote renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind projects.  Some of the projects proposed for funding have not met the requirements for funding.  As an example, for a project involving solar panels, the structural integrity of the building must be sufficient to justify the investment

Individual projects may be eligible for grants of up to $500,000.  The fund’s committee is accepting applications statewide through April 29, 2012, and then will be submitting grants.

If your tribe is interested in finding out more about this grant, please contact me, Dan Quigley, at 520-792-4800.

Often, after the expiration of a patent for a drug that has produced huge revenues, the drug manufacturer faces significant new competition in the marketplace as other drug manufacturers introduce generic forms of the drug.  This competition can lead to major decreases in the prices charged for the formerly patented drug, and much lower revenues for the pharmaceutical company.  The other drug manufacturers can offer the generic version of the drug at a greatly reduced price, as they do not need to recoup the large research and development costs expended to develop the drug.

Pharmaceutical companies are learning that while their patents may expire, the goodwill and branding associated with their products does not have to end.  Through carefully orchestrated continued branding and marketing, sales of branded pharmaceuticals may have a life significantly beyond the patent protection period, and even after patent expiration the original drug manufacturer may be able to charge a premium compared to generic versions.