In this episode of The Jabot I chat with Joann Rezzo, mediator at Signature Resolution, who shares her unconventional journey from aspiring CIA agent to law school, through Biglaw, and eventually to mediation. Joan highlights the power of empathy, her knack for negotiation, and how varied experiences helped shape her career, enriching both her mediation skills and her personal growth. Hear Joann’s vibrant anecdotes, including a clever courtroom victory involving an unexpected witness. A must-listen for insights on navigating a diverse legal career path and finding fulfillment.
Highlights
- Choosing law school over CIA.
- Navigating a nepotistic law school environment.
- Career path: From Biglaw to small firm.
- Transition to plaintiffs and defense work.
- Benefits of trial experience in Biglaw.
- Conflicts check process at a small firm.
- Importance of understanding both plaintiffs and defense perspectives.
- Motivation to transition to mediation.
- Financial readiness enabling career shifts.
- Knowing when to jump into new opportunities.
- Traits for a successful mediator: empathy and listening.
- Memorable litigation story: Using a surprise rebuttal witness.
The Jabot podcast is an offshoot of the Above the Law brand focused on the challenges women, people of color, LGBTQIA, and other diverse populations face in the legal industry. Our name comes from none other than the Notorious Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the jabot (decorative collar) she wore when delivering dissents from the bench. It’s a reminder that even when we aren’t winning, we’re still a powerful force to be reckoned with.
Happy listening!
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @Kathryn1@mastodon.social.
The post Charting The Path To Mediator appeared first on Above the Law.
In this episode of The Jabot I chat with Joann Rezzo, mediator at Signature Resolution, who shares her unconventional journey from aspiring CIA agent to law school, through Biglaw, and eventually to mediation. Joan highlights the power of empathy, her knack for negotiation, and how varied experiences helped shape her career, enriching both her mediation skills and her personal growth. Hear Joann’s vibrant anecdotes, including a clever courtroom victory involving an unexpected witness. A must-listen for insights on navigating a diverse legal career path and finding fulfillment.
Highlights
- Choosing law school over CIA.
- Navigating a nepotistic law school environment.
- Career path: From Biglaw to small firm.
- Transition to plaintiffs and defense work.
- Benefits of trial experience in Biglaw.
- Conflicts check process at a small firm.
- Importance of understanding both plaintiffs and defense perspectives.
- Motivation to transition to mediation.
- Financial readiness enabling career shifts.
- Knowing when to jump into new opportunities.
- Traits for a successful mediator: empathy and listening.
- Memorable litigation story: Using a surprise rebuttal witness.
The Jabot podcast is an offshoot of the Above the Law brand focused on the challenges women, people of color, LGBTQIA, and other diverse populations face in the legal industry. Our name comes from none other than the Notorious Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the jabot (decorative collar) she wore when delivering dissents from the bench. It’s a reminder that even when we aren’t winning, we’re still a powerful force to be reckoned with.
Happy listening!
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @[email protected].
