Why Lawyers Should Think Differently About Mediation feat. Felicia Harris Hoss

Felicia Harris Hoss is an attorney, mediator, and arbitrator who transitioned from litigation to helping parties resolve disputes more efficiently. In this episode of You Are A Lawyer, Felicia shares why early dispute resolution deserves more attention, how mediation can help clients save time and money, and why lawyers should recognize that successful advocacy doesn't always require a courtroom. Lawyer Side Hustles Beyond conducting mediations and arbitrations, Felicia contributes to the legal profession through writing, policy development, and community involvement. She authored the report supporting American Bar Association Resolution 500, which promotes early dispute resolution, and has worked with colleagues and law students on an article examining how attorneys can use early mediation more effectively. She also serves as a director of the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center in Houston, where mediation services help community members resolve conflicts. "Think about it earlier in the process. Don't wait until you're about to go to trial to say, maybe we should go negotiate," Felicia Harris Hoss expresses in Episode 267 of You Are a Lawyer. Felicia's professional activities demonstrate how lawyers can use their expertise beyond representing individual clients. Through continuing legal education, writing, policy work, and community dispute resolution, she helps other attorneys understand the value of resolving conflicts before litigation becomes unnecessarily expensive. Her work also introduces law students and newer attorneys to opportunities within the legal profession that may receive less attention than traditional courtroom practice. This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.