Episode 167-From Litigation to Mediation with Oran Kaufman

In this episode, Stephen Seckler speaks with Oran Kaufman, a mediator with an extensive background in family law. They discuss Oran's journey from litigation to mediation, the skills required to be a mediator, and how mediation has changed over the last 30 years. Oran shares insights on the differences between mediation and litigation, the importance of listening, and the challenges of building a mediation practice. The conversation also touches on collaborative law, alternative legal careers, and the impact of technology on mediation.

Takeaways

• Mediation requires a different skill set than litigation.
• Listening is a crucial skill for both mediators and lawyers.
• Transitioning from litigation to mediation can lower work related stress.
• Collaborative law offers an alternative to traditional litigation.
• Silence can be a powerful tool in mediation.
• There are several challenges in building a mediation practice that differ from building a law practice.
• Technology has expanded the reach of mediation services.

Timeline

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:17 Oran Kaufman's Journey into Family Mediation

05:45 Transitioning from Litigation to Mediation

08:47 The Nature of Family Mediation

11:38 Skills and Challenges of Mediation

13:58 Building a Mediation Practice

16:21 Collaborative Law and Mediation

18:50 Qualities of a Good Mediator

21:44 Exploring Alternative Legal Careers

24:29 The Evolution of Mediation