How Outside General Counsel Experience Enhances Mediation Outcomes

Having served as outside general counsel, I’ve seen firsthand how understanding a company’s DNA changes the mediation dynamic. It’s not just about resolving a dispute—it’s about preserving business continuity and protecting long-term value.

Two men in suits in business meeting. General counsel provides legal advice. Corporate lawyer consulting in modern office. Teamwork, collaboration, discussion. Law, justice, business concept.

The role of a mediator is not simply to facilitate dialogue—it’s to understand the business context behind the dispute. That’s where outside general counsel experience becomes a strategic asset. Having served as GC for companies in healthcare, hospitality, and entertainment, I bring a business-first lens to every mediation I conduct.

General counsel are tasked with more than legal compliance—they advise on risk, operations, and long-term strategy. This perspective is invaluable in mediation, where resolution must account for more than just legal exposure. It must reflect business realities, stakeholder interests, and reputational considerations.

In mediation, understanding the operational impact of a dispute allows for more tailored solutions. Whether it’s a wage claim affecting workforce morale or a partnership dissolution threatening brand equity, the mediator must grasp the full scope of consequences. That’s where GC experience bridges the gap between legal theory and business execution.

Clients benefit from a mediator who can speak the language of executives and legal teams alike. It fosters trust, accelerates resolution, and ensures that outcomes are not only legally sound but commercially viable. Mediation is not just about compromise—it’s about crafting durable solutions.

This dual perspective—legal and operational—enables me to guide parties toward outcomes that protect both their legal position and their business interests. It’s a skill set honed over years of advising companies through litigation, transactions, and crisis management.

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Drawing on more than four decades in leadership and counsel roles — from managing partner of a 60‑lawyer firm to advising companies as outside general counsel — Randy delivers practical resolutions with lasting impact. His people‑centered method, honed through advanced mediation training, extends beyond litigation to form enduring advisory partnerships.

Ready to explore a more strategic path forward? Connect with us to start the conversation.

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