FALL 2026
Strategic Negotiation and Settlement Advocacy
Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel
Woodlands, Texas
Program Highlights
Following repeat years of sold-out programs, the Lanier Settlement Academy returns Tuesday, October 27 - Thursday, October 29 at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott in Houston, Texas. With only 60 seats available for experienced trial lawyers, the Academy is expected to fill quickly—possibly within hours—so early registration is strongly encouraged. This exclusive event is designed for seasoned advocates looking to elevate their settlement skills in high-stakes litigation.
The Academy has quickly become the nation’s premier settlement program tailored specifically for experienced trial lawyers. Developed by Mark Lanier in partnership with faculty from the top-ranked Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, the program features cutting-edge content and a collaborative format. Professor Randy Lowry—founder of the Straus Institute and now National Settlement Consultant at the Lanier Law Firm—leads the program alongside a core faculty of top litigators, mediators, and legal educators.
The two-and-a-half-day experience includes highly interactive instruction, a structured negotiation framework, and practical strategies that can immediately impact your results. Participants enjoy catered breakfast and lunch each day for networking, along with a welcome reception. The course is fully guaranteed—if you complete the program and are not satisfied with the content or faculty, your fees will be refunded. CLE credit is approved in all applicable states, and the value is clear: Just one applied strategy could pay for the course many times over.
Interactive Skills Development
Participants will refine their negotiation techniques through skills development exercises and actual negotiations with experienced colleagues.
Real-World Application Case Studies
Faculty will present real-world examples and case studies to demonstrate how the principles discussed can be directly applied.
Practical Settlement Strategies
Special Guest Practitioners: Experienced practitioners will share hands-on strategies for advantageous settlements.
PROGRAM PRICING:
$3,900
Join an elite group of trial lawyers for our exclusive 2.5-day program! This sophisticated conference focuses on bridging what you learn in strategic negotiation and settlement strategy to real-world negotiations at your firm. Apply now; enrollment is limited.
While we strongly believe in the justice achieved through a full trial, the reality is that more than 90% of the cases we handle will not be tried to a verdict but will be settled. This is the aspect we must focus on in our work for our clients! The Lanier Settlement Academy offers a unique opportunity for specialized information and advanced skills development in negotiating advantageous settlements.
LIMITED TO 60 Active Attorneys | Up to 15 CLE credit hours provided
Agenda at a Glance
Suggested hotel check-in and arrival date: Monday, October 26
Suggest hotel check-out and departure date: Thursday, October 29
Tuesday | October 27
7:30 AM | Registration & Breakfast (Please note: sessions will begin promptly at 8:30 AM, so attendees will need to complete check-in prior to the session start time.)
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Sessions
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch Provided
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Welcome Reception
Wednesday | October 28
7:30 AM | Breakfast Provided
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Sessions
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch Provided
Thursday | October 29
7:30 AM | Breakfast
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Sessions
- 1:00 PM | CLE Submission & Adjourn
Instructors & Agenda
Through advanced workshops, concise presentations, substantive dialogue, and real-world application, our esteemed faculty will focus on the central issues in most of your cases - negotiation, mediation, and settlement.
Randy Lowry
National Settlement Consultant, The Lanier Law Firm
Mark Lanier
Founder, The Lanier Law Firm
Peter Robinson
Professor Emeritus, Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
John Lowry
President, The Lowry Group
- How to Manage the Dynamic Negotiation Process
- Developing A Strategic Negotiation Framework and Planning Instrument
- How to Be Strategic In the Competitive Aspects of Negotiation
- How to Be Creative In the More Cooperative Dimensions of Negotiation
- What Really Works, Why It Works, And How To Use It In Your Next Case With Excellent Results
- Power And Tactics - What You Must Know
- How to Produce an Agreement That Provides Substantive, Procedural And Psychological Satisfaction
Special Thanks to our 2026 Partners!
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center is conveniently located in downtown Woodlands, TX and is steps away from upscale dining, Market Street shopping and connected via skybridge to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Relax in their spacious, newly renovated guest rooms and suites, enjoy their full-service spa, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool with food & beverage service or stay active in their 24-hour fitness center.
Suggested hotel check-in and arrival date: Monday, October 26
Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel 1601 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380
The deadline to book your room in our block is October 5, 2026.
Book your stay at our exclusive discounted group rate by clicking Book Now or calling The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel at 281-367-9797. Availability of discounted rate rooms is on a first-come, first-served basis.
"At the Lanier Settlement Academy, we don’t just talk about negotiation—we reframe it. Lawyers leave with a clear, practical framework they can use in every negotiation they face."
-Randy Lowry, National Settlement Consultant, The Lanier Law Firm
While we strongly believe in the justice achieved through a full trial, the reality is that more than 90% of all cases we handle will not be tried to verdict but rather settled. This is the aspect we must focus on in our work for our clients! The Lanier Settlement Academy offers a unique opportunity for specialized information and advanced skills development in negotiating advantageous settlements.