When Lawyers Pursue Peace

Consider a case where plaintiff is suing her former employer because, after 10 years of good work, she was "let go." The company says it's because of poor performance, but she claims her discharge was retaliation for refusing her supervisor's sexual advances. Several other women have since reported the same supervisor's conduct towards them as well, leading to his termination.

Here’s what I’ve observed about lawyers who mediate well: most good attorneys gauge the value of their case as soon as it falls into their lap.  Before opening statements even exist in their minds, seasoned lawyers count the cost of injuries, damages, and discovery at multiple check points along the way.  Facts and theories are scrutinized and filtered through legal cheesecloth until it expels this abstract concept called “value,” the amount at which the case should settle. 

Many of us became lawyers because we believe in justice, we care about our communities and we want to make a difference in the world. This year, it was particularly hard to focus on that larger perspective. I'll admit that being homebound has led me to spiral into the internet rabbit-hole more times than I can count. After a particularly depressing and acrimonious 2020, I was tired of the harsh rhetoric, and I knew better things were happening around me.