Professional Background
For the first two decades of my career, I was a commercial trial lawyer and partner in Houston, handling complex disputes across industries in federal and state courts. I began at a litigation boutique working on high-stakes commercial and class action cases, where I also saw the early value of mediation in achieving practical business solutions. With fewer than 3% of cases now going to trial and courts facing significant post-COVID backlogs, I transitioned from courtroom advocacy to mediation, using my experience to help parties efficiently and confidentially resolve disputes through strategic, business-focused solutions like the EDR Mediation process.
Path to Mediation
Over time, I saw that what clients value most is resolution—regardless of whether it comes through trial, mediation, or negotiation. That realization led me to shift my practice toward mediation. While trial experience is valuable, it is often more impactful when used to help parties reach efficient, cost-effective resolutions without prolonged litigation. Having long respected the AAA’s commitment to excellence in dispute resolution, I joined its mediation panel and look forward to contributing to its EDR Mediation panel, particularly in handling commercial disputes like those in my prior practice.
Role as Neutral
Serving on the AAA’s mediation and specialty EDR Mediation panels allows me to combine the organization’s strong corporate ties and commitment to excellence with my focus on delivering efficient, business-oriented resolutions in complex disputes. I have long advocated for early mediation, including through my work with the ABA and as lead drafter of Resolution 500, which promotes the use of EDR tools. Joining the AAA’s EDR panel allows me to continue that work with a leader in dispute resolution and to support parties seeking timely, cost-effective outcomes.
Legal/Professional Experience in Mediation
From my years as a trial lawyer, I learned that both sides often leave court with significant loss—prompting me to see mediation as a stronger alternative to jury trials.
As a mediator, I find the “legal” answer isn’t always the best “business” one. That’s why I focus on building trust and helping parties explore creative, confidential solutions so they can resolve disputes and move forward.
Mediation Philosophy
What I hear from parties and lawyers with whom I’ve mediated is that I show up prepared to engage in meaningful discussions, have a calming effect, and bring a sense of optimism to the room that keeps communication flowing, and that I am effective in testing realities, discussing risks, and finding creative solutions to difficult problems.
Memorable Mediation Experiences
One that comes to mind involved an ongoing dispute between parties who had been wrangling each other in the courthouse for years. What stands out most in this case is how critical the pre-session discussions were to building trust for the structure of a resolution, and how valuable the private conversation between the principals was to resolving not only the business terms, but also setting the stage for the ongoing working relationship that would follow. The mediation process -- from start to end -- provided an invaluable, confidential respite from the years of fighting that would not have happened but for everyone's efforts in the weeks before the session, the parties' willingness to fully engage in the process, and my ability to gain everyone's trust along the way.
Advice to Advocates & Parties
Don’t approach mediation as a "one-day event”; rather, think of it as a confidential process for analytical and deliberative decision-making. Additionally, to take full advantage of the mediator's experience and presence in all of the rooms, work with and engage with the mediator like you would a consultant. Use the mediator to test realities and brainstorm creative business solutions. Lean on the mediator's objectivity to help the parties make important, sometimes tough, decisions.
Evolving ADR Landscape
For years, mediation was something we did on the "courthouse steps" after spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on discovery. In 2026, companies and their counsel are viewing mediation not as simply an alternative to litigation or arbitration, but as an effective process to robustly analyze the prospect of early resolution as part of an overall dispute resolution strategy. Although I don’t have a crystal ball, it would not surprise me if the EDR Mediation process becomes the standard in the next 5-7 years.
Personal Qualities & Skills
In addition to being prepared, an effective mediator needs, and I strive always, to (i) build trust and rapport with the parties and counsel, (ii) be unquestionably neutral and credibly conversant in delivering candid feedback, (iii) be curious and willing to think outside of the box for creative solutions, (iv) be able to empathize, see the big picture, and reframe and refocus discussions, (v) demonstrate confidence in the process and in the parties’ ability to find a path to resolution, (vi) be tenacious, willing to go the extra mile to help the parties through the rough spots to avoid or break an impasse, and (vii) be a good listener, hearing not only what is said but what is not said as well.
Beyond Mediation
Away from work, I enjoy spending time with husband riding our motorcycles, traveling, and playing golf.