When is the Right Time to Attend a Mediation?

When I was an attorney, I often asked myself, is this case ready to go to mediation? Or, alternatively, is it too late? Do both parties have enough information (i.e. is it too early)? Are both parties too invested – in time and money – and should we just take our chances at trial (i.e., is it too late)? As with almost every legal issue, the answer is, it depends.