ATTORNEY TURNED MEDIATOR: WHO AM I AND HOW DID I GET HERE?

Over twenty years ago, I became an attorney to work for those who most needed representation. Attending Washington University School of Law, I excelled in the practical curriculum and extra-curricular programs: winning school competitions in Client Counseling and Mock Trial; earning team membership for regional competitions; honored upon graduation as a member of the Order of Barristers (awarded for excellence in appellate advocacy). I took every opportunity for “real world” experience under the tutelage of professors and practicing attorneys.

Within two months of passing the Missouri bar exam, I stood in front of my first jury. I was a trial lawyer for many years before joining the staff of lawyers for a large metropolitan court. Performing research and writing as well as administrative tasks, I worked for the court for over a decade. During that time I realized: something was missing for me.

While the courts have their purpose, too many times I heard litigants say their real concerns weren’t being met; the legal issues were being addressed, but the underlying human elements were not.

People wanted to talk to each other, they wanted to express what the experience leading to the lawsuit meant to them and how it affected their lives. I saw an opportunity – often lost – for healing.

It started to become clear to me that it was the potential for healing that originally drew me to legal practice. I sought to offer some form of healing to difficult, often unpleasant, situations. Perhaps that was my unseen motivation all along.

I realized that to promote that healing process, I could assist others in making their own decisions and find their own resolution to conflict.

So I decided to become a mediator. With the enthusiastic support and encouragement of the Presiding Judge, I attended my first mediation training.

Since then, I’ve trained in several mediation models. The method I use in my practice keeps the focus primarily on the people involved. It is a process aimed at helping you make the best, most informed decisions you can for yourself, with “best” being defined by you – the one(s) in conflict – not by others.

All my life, people have remarked on my profound awareness of others' emotions and feelings, my listening skills, and my ability to distill nuances. I am really good at asking questions.

Family, friends, colleagues and clients appreciate how this fosters in-depth, thoughtful consideration of situations. Someone very close to me once described it as my “listening behind the words.”

As Mediator (and Coach), I serve as an interactive sounding board. Through listening, reflecting, and asking pointed questions, I help you navigate your way through conflict.

Together, we create resolution through your informed, conscious choices. Agreeing to disagree is as acceptable an outcome as settling all disputes, IF that is what you decide is best for you. All decisions are left in your hands.

The work is done in a safe, respectful environment that encourages you to discern and speak your Truth, to listen to the others involved, and always to do so from a place of highest respect and integrity.

Resolve to resolve, and create your life through conscious choice.

I’m ready…