# Episode 167-From Litigation to Mediation with Oran Kaufman

An episode of [Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1344814079), 17 Jan 2026, 29 min.

Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/counseltocounsel/Episode_167.mp3?dest-id=653117

In this episode, Stephen Seckler speaks with Oran Kaufman, a mediator with an extensive background in family law. They discuss Oran's journey from litigation to mediation, the skills required to be a mediator, and how mediation has changed over the last 30 years. Oran shares insights on the differences between mediation and litigation, the importance of listening, and the challenges of building a mediation practice. The conversation also touches on collaborative law, alternative legal careers, and the impact of technology on mediation. Takeaways • Mediation requires a different skill set than litigation. • Listening is a crucial skill for both mediators and lawyers. • Transitioning from litigation to mediation can lower work related stress. • Collaborative law offers an alternative to traditional litigation. • Silence can be a powerful tool in mediation. • There are several challenges in building a mediation practice that differ from building a law practice. • Technology has expanded the reach of mediation services. Timeline 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:17 Oran Kaufman's Journey into Family Mediation 05:45 Transitioning from Litigation to Mediation 08:47 The Nature of Family Mediation 11:38 Skills and Challenges of Mediation 13:58 Building a Mediation Practice 16:21 Collaborative Law and Mediation 18:50 Qualities of a Good Mediator 21:44 Exploring Alternative Legal Careers 24:29 The Evolution of Mediation

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