Episode 167-From Litigation to Mediation with Oran Kaufman
Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers · 2026-01-17 · 29 min
Episode notes
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.