The Last Five Years

In the summer of 2019, JordanADR opened its doors, providing the state of Georgia with a trusted resource to help parties navigate and resolve their legal disputes. Since that time, both the legal community and the world at large have changed considerably. What started as a one-man operation (and one-woman–shout-out to Cathrine Jordan for all her support!) quickly expanded into a team of diverse, qualified, and dynamic mediators spanning multiple areas of law and additional locations across the state. 

As we reach this milestone, I wanted to take a look back at the last five years: to reflect on the evolution of this company, the personal growth I have experienced during this time, and to contemplate what lies ahead for JordanADR.

Losing the “Alternative”

The most significant change I have observed in the ADR landscape is the increasing prevalence of mediation. This trend is evident across all areas of the law, but particularly in workers' compensation cases where nearly all claims now go through mediation voluntarily. What was once an alternative method of resolution is now standard practice. Judges and attorneys alike increasingly view mediation as a valuable tool in the litigation process. As a mediator, my primary goal is to help parties reach a settlement. In matters where settlement proves elusive, there is still a lot to be gained. Through my mediations, I allow parties the opportunity to better assess the strength of their claims, reevaluate their desired goals, and bridge the gap between expectations and reality.

High Highs and Low Lows: Navigating the Extremes

Balancing the multiple roles of running an ADR firm, refining my skills as a mediator, and maintaining a law practice has been far from easy. Overcoming misconceptions, developing my personal skills, and nurturing a growing panel, all while facing a global pandemic presented significant challenges. Despite the hurdles, it has also been incredibly rewarding. Throughout the rollercoaster, I faced some true extremes.

You can't operate a business during the early 2020's without feeling the effects of COVID-19. Amidst uncertainty, a charged political climate, and an altered workplace culture, attorneys continued to file lawsuits and disputes needed resolution. Our firm adapted to the changes. We went from the standard in-person model to remote or hybrid, bringing with it unique challenges and debates over the importance of balance between the valuable personal connection in face-to-face meetings and the efficiency of remote sessions. With so much external uncertainty, it was difficult to not internalize the struggles of the parties when I mediated their cases. Being a passionate advocate is an excellent trait in an attorney, but impartiality and objectivity are the hallmarks of a great mediator. Compartmentalization and leaving the particulars behind were skills that were put to the test these last five years, and ones I continue to hone.

Since founding JordanADR, I have mediated many cases, a majority of which resulted in settlements. Some of those settlements were straightforward, while others posed challenges that I may not have tackled successfully in my early days as a mediator. These five years of experience, practice, and learning from my mistakes have sharpened my mediation skills and allowed me to find more innovative and creative solutions to overcoming impasses. Expanding my role from attorney to attorney/mediator has allowed me to help more people than ever before, which has been the driving force of my legal career.

Mediation Misconceptions

Opening JordanADR also meant expanding beyond just myself. It meant taking on an entire panel of experienced attorneys in various stages of their careers who were eager to launch their own mediation practices. I now had a responsibility to help others develop their skills. A common misconception within the legal community is that mediation is easy and anyone can do it. That is unequivocally false. While many excellent attorneys make great mediators, it also requires an entirely different skill set. In assembling our panel, I sought out individuals who excelled not only in their respective practice areas but also possessed traits I consider essential for effective mediation: approachability, creativity, directness, patience, and adaptability. I couldn't be prouder of the team we have at Jordan, it has been incredible to grow alongside these incredible professionals, and I am excited to see what's next.

Final Thoughts

Through all the trials (or lack of trials, get it?) and tribulations, I couldn't be more grateful for these last five years. We have learned what works, and what doesn't. We have been fortunate to see growth; we have expanded the panel and the administrative team. We have continued our engagement with the community through sponsorships, continued learning education (CLE) courses, and mediation breakfasts. To those of you who made it this far with us, here's to the next five years! I hope to see you there.