Before becoming a mediator, I worked both in-house and as outside counsel for government. I gained extensive experience in employment law and was proud of my role providing advice and representation to managers in labor and employment issues. My representation included appearances in court, arbitrations, unfair labor practice proceedings and administrative hearings before federal and state agencies. I was a “warrior” for my clients, fighting in legal arenas. The goal was to win and to win epically.
Of course, winning means there will always a loser. And, sometimes it was my client. I then learned how it felt to be on the losing side: ashamed, defeated and deflated. It was expensive, emotionally draining and time-consuming too. I began to understand how prolonged litigation took a heavy toll on parties. Was there a better way ? Yes. Inspired by my husband’s work in mediation, I embarked on this new path in 1996.
I began formal mediation training in 1996, and it opened my eyes to a different kind of legal work—one that focused on resolution, understanding, and peace. My first mediation session remains vivid in my memory. It involved a pro se plaintiff fighting her termination from a large corporation on the basis of age and gender discrimination in a federal court. She fought at every stage of the proceeding and refused to back down. Legal fees were rising and she refused to consider any settlement offer. In mediation, I was able to establish a rapport with her and re-frame the possibilities that could arise out of mediation rather than continuing to litigate. After several hours of discussion, she finally accepted a settlement offer. The relief on both parties’ faces as we reached an agreement confirmed that this was the path I was meant to take. Over the next 28 years, my mediation practice expanded and I took on a wider variety of cases, including all areas of employment law and commercial and insurance disputes.
Mediation is about creating a space where everyone feels heard. My goal is to foster a calm, supportive atmosphere that encourages open dialogue. Even when I ask tough questions, I do so to help move the discussion forward, not to add pressure. I’m a neutral party in the room, committed to ensuring both sides feel respected and understood. In particularly challenging workplace disputes where emotions were high, maintaining a calm environment and asking the right questions allowed both parties to see each other’s perspectives. Handling mediation in this way leads to a resolution that everyone can embrace.
Effective mediation starts long before we all sit down at the table. I prepare extensively, reviewing each case’s details to ensure I understand the complexities involved. My preparation includes reading pleadings, dockets, and any related documents and researching how other like cases have resolved. . I create a list of key questions and issues to address during the mediation session.
My litigation experience in helps me quickly identify the core issues, allowing us to focus on practical, real-world solutions rather than dwelling on the problems.
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I approach each mediation with passion, curiosity and empathy. My evaluative style helps me dig deeper into both the legal and emotional aspects of the dispute. I strive to create an environment of professionalism and trust, which is why many clients choose me as their mediator. My presence in the room—calm, focused and empathetic—makes a difference in how people approach resolution. As one client put it, “Leslie’s calm demeanor and insightful questions helped us see things in a new light, and we reached a resolution that we never thought possible.”
Outside of work, I am avid collector of unique items and “things.” My collections include beads, rocks, seashells, vintage and studio pottery and antique glass. I also enjoy gardening, even if the bugs seem to have the upper hand ! Just as I carefully collect and care for these treasures, I approach each mediation with the same level of care and attention to detail. I believe that every perspective is valuable, and I strive to ensure that each person’s voice is heard.
Mediation offers a peaceful alternative to the lengthy, expensive, and often stressful process of litigation. Unlike the adversarial nature of the courtroom, mediation allows both sides to work collaboratively toward a resolution. It saves time, reduces stress, and often leads to outcomes that better meet the needs of all parties involved. My role is to guide you through this process with empathy and professionalism, helping you find fair and effective solutions.
My mediation practice is unique because of my legal expertise, empathetic approach, and commitment to thorough preparation. Mediation is about more than just resolving conflicts—it’s about helping people find a way forward. If you’re tired of the stress and expense of traditional litigation, consider how mediation could offer a more peaceful and effective solution. Let’s work together to find the resolution you’ve been looking for.
