Remember, these are injury cases. They are often emotional. The mediator must be respected by both sides and able to present a realistic assessment of issues relating to risk. If mediation is the set, arbitration is the stage. Attending mediation has the goal of never walking onto the stage for the ultimate performance.
Many practitioners use mediation as an inexpensive shorthand method to close a file.
When they do so, they shortchange the client. By their actions they communicate that they are not committed, and will no go the distance. Use mediation to demonstrate that both the advocate, and the case, are to be taken seriously. The notebook is a simple and expensive tool to allow you to keep control over the case, and to present it in an orderly manner. Provide one to the other side, and one to the neutral.