What I find most rewarding about mediation is helping parties reach resolution and achieve closure. It’s never easy to compromise, but having seen the darker side of litigation, I know how quickly disputes can spiral — with parties spending enormous amounts of time, money, and emotion only to end up in roughly the same place they could have been months (or even years) earlier. Helping people avoid that outcome and move forward brings tremendous satisfaction. Very few things are as stressful as ongoing litigation, and it’s rewarding to help people put that chapter behind them.

What is one piece of advice you often share with parties entering mediation? 

Be prepared. Too often, parties arrive without fully understanding the claims, defenses, or even the other side’s perspective. When participants are learning facts or allegations for the first time during mediation, meaningful resolution becomes far more difficult. Ideally — especially in larger or more complex matters — both sides should exchange briefs or summaries beforehand and be transparent about key issues. The more informed everyone is going in, the more productive and efficient the mediation will be.

How do you approach building trust with the parties during mediation?

I begin by introducing myself, outlining the process, and setting clear ground rules for how the day will go. When relevant, I share a bit about my background — as a mediator, attorney, and real estate broker — so parties know I genuinely understand the types of issues they’re facing. I also take a few moments to get to know the people involved on a human level: where they’re from, what brought them to this point, and what they hope to accomplish. That personal connection helps establish trust and sets a tone of professionalism, empathy, and respect.

Can you share a lesson you've learned from your years of mediating disputes?