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].