Danielle L. Hardgrove is a full-time neutral. She first became involved in mediation when an opposing counsel asked her to consider mediating another matter with him. That stands out to her as a pivotal moment in her legal career. She did not like the contentiousness of litigation, and dispute resolution gave the "out" to address the pros and cons of each side of a dispute. She loves it when counsel leave a mediation surprised and pleased that the matter settled.
We asked her how her expertise informs her approach on the American Arbitration Association® Mediation Panel.
What motivated you to pursue mediation, and were there personal influences or professional experiences that shaped your path to joining the AAA?
I have always been a mediator at heart.
What do you value most about serving as a mediator with the AAA, and what aspects of the work do you find most meaningful for the parties you serve?
I find it fulfilling to play a role in helping parties come together. It's extra special when I'm able to impart something extra to the parties that helps them not only for the mediation, but also as they move on.
How has your previous experience as an attorney, arbitrator, judge, or in another professional role shaped your approach to mediation?
Having served as an adjunct law professor at Texas A&M in their Master's in Legal Studies program, I got to observe the various levels of understanding of the law and expectations that so many people bring to their interactions with others. It has helped remind me that it is important to listen to each person express their concerns because perceptions of circumstances and reactions to them may vary greatly.
How do you approach the mediation process, and what strategies do you use to help parties move from conflict toward resolution?
I give parties their opportunity to fully express what they hope to achieve in the mediation. I try to help them get as close as possible to their goals while encouraging my assistance in helping them get there (and not to leave it up to others).
Without breaching confidentiality, can you share a moment or case in your mediation work that was especially rewarding or that highlighted the strengths of the process?
Listening to what a party needs is critical. I had a $2M demand that settled for pennies on the dollar and tickets for a grandfather's grandchildren to a nationally known park. The party's focus was not on breaking his promise to take them to this park, even though he had lost his job. Once I recognized what was most important to him, I reframed the issues to allow the former employer to consider this avenue of resolution to help him keep his promise to his grandchildren.
Have you noticed any trends or shifts in the use of mediation, the types of disputes, or in parties’ expectations in recent years?
Better advocates, who understand how to mediate versus litigate, get better results for their clients, and they come prepared to the mediation to help me help their client.
Which skills or qualities do you believe are most essential for a successful mediator, and how have you cultivated them?
I believe connecting with people is important. I have a natural interest in understanding where people are coming from and why they need my help. I've been curious all of my life on what makes people tick and remain so.
Outside of your professional work, what activities, causes, or passions are important to you?
Smooth jazz and ocean breezes.