Well, you bring a broader perspective about the whole judicial system.  I mean, being in the trenches and trying cases is really important.  I don’t think you can be a good mediator in these complex cases unless you’ve had the real experience of trying a jury case, trying complex civil cases, and motion practice.  And that’s really an important part of the component here too, but again, having judicial experience, for me, brings a better perspective.

I know how cases are decided.  I know what makes a difference in a case.  We learn to quickly focus on the importance of who’s gonna win or who’s gonna lose, not to judge it necessarily, but strong points and weak points.  And it just brings a better perspective.  And I think the parties too really respect mediators that have had both experience, both as in the trenches as a trial lawyer as a Supreme Court justice.  They listen to me a lot more carefully, and most of ‘em still call me Justice.  It gives me a little traction.