Mel, Arbitrator and Mediator at Simburg Dispute Resolution: Advize Career Interview
A career in dispute resolution offers a fascinating blend of legal expertise and human interaction.
Simburg Dispute Resolution's Arbitrator and Mediator's journey began with diverse college experiences, including work-study and an impactful internship.
This path led to a dual role, skillfully balancing the judge-like authority of arbitration with the collaborative approach of mediation.
Daily tasks vary widely, demanding strong listening skills, legal acumen, and the ability to navigate complex emotional dynamics.
Success requires intellectual curiosity, strong interpersonal skills, and the capacity to manage high-pressure situations while maintaining objectivity.
Aspiring professionals should focus on developing assertive communication, business skills, and the ability to apply life experiences to complex legal scenarios.
While entry-level positions are uncommon, various support roles offer valuable experience.
Consistent high-quality work, ethical conduct, and an ability to remain calm under pressure are keys to success, along with the rewarding aspects of helping people resolve conflicts and fostering their success.
Undergraduate studies should prioritize developing strong writing and critical thinking, while extracurricular activities like public speaking can be invaluable assets.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Mel Simburg
Arbitrator and Mediator
Simburg Dispute Resolution
University of California at Berkeley
Columbia University: Juris Doctor, Masters of International Affairs
Political Science, American Studies
Law
Legal
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of an Arbitrator and Mediator at Simburg Dispute Resolution
Mel's career path began with diverse college experiences, including "work study programs," such as a statistics note taker and a gate ticket collector, along with a summer carpentry apprenticeship. A pivotal experience was an internship with the US Department of Labor in Washington, DC, setting the stage for their current role at Simburg Dispute Resolution.
Main Responsibilities of an Arbitrator and Mediator at Simburg Dispute Resolution
Mel's dual role at Simburg Dispute Resolution involves acting as both an arbitrator, "making decisions like a judge does," and a mediator, facilitating negotiated settlements without decision-making authority. This highlights the diverse skillset required in the field of dispute resolution, encompassing both adjudication and conflict management.
A Day In The Life Of An Arbitrator And Mediator At Simburg Dispute Resolution
Mel's career as an arbitrator and mediator involves vastly different daily tasks depending on the chosen dispute resolution method; mediation focuses on "getting the parties to engage," facilitating creative solutions where "the parties can reach an agreement on anything they are willing to agree on," unlike arbitration, which is "like a court process," culminating in a binding decision where "someone wins, someone loses."
Top Skills for an Arbitrator and Mediator at Simburg Dispute Resolution
Mel's work as an arbitrator and mediator requires distinct skill sets; mediation necessitates "good listening" and exploring "what their underlying interests are," while arbitration demands strong legal skills and the ability to "weigh evidence" and make impartial decisions based on presented arguments. The key difference lies in the active guidance role of a mediator versus the passive, evaluative role of an arbitrator.
Favorite Parts of Being an Arbitrator and Mediator at Simburg Dispute Resolution
Mel finds the intellectual challenge of mediation, requiring "active brain power and understanding human nature," most rewarding, while arbitration offers a different type of satisfaction in the "respect" and "appreciation" received for resolving disputes and providing a forum to be heard.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Arbitrator And Mediator At Simburg Dispute Resolution
Mel's biggest challenge as an arbitrator is the responsibility of making "all or nothing" decisions where only one side can win, requiring "very thorough thought" to weigh the law and facts. In mediation, the challenge lies in subtly guiding parties toward a settlement without expressing personal opinions, maintaining the trust of both sides for the process to work.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Dispute Resolution Industry as an Arbitrator and Mediator
Mel, an Arbitrator and Mediator, finds the most rewarding aspect of the profession to be "helping people accomplish things so that they can succeed," while also enjoying the "variety" of new topics and problems, and the stimulating interactions with "intelligent, interesting" legal professionals.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Dispute Resolution Industry, According to an Arbitrator and Mediator at Simburg Dispute Resolution
To thrive in dispute resolution, individuals must be "thinkers" who enjoy challenges and working under pressure, possessing strong interpersonal skills and a detail-oriented approach. Success in this field hinges on enjoying collaboration with others, more so than specific tasks or clients, as Mel emphasizes that "you have to enjoy working with the people."
What An Arbitrator And Mediator At Simburg Dispute Resolution Wishes They Knew Before Entering Law
Mel, an arbitrator and mediator, advises aspiring legal professionals that assertiveness, not aggression, is key to success, emphasizing the importance of maintaining positive relationships within the small legal community. Further, the ability to "run a business" alongside legal practice, coupled with open-mindedness and the application of "life experiences and common sense," are crucial skills not always taught in law school, and managing overly aggressive personalities is a necessary skill to develop.
Entry-Level Paths To Arbitrator Or Mediator At Simburg Dispute Resolution
Mel, an Arbitrator and Mediator, notes that true "entry-level positions" leading directly to a career in dispute resolution are rare. However, working as an investigator, secretary, receptionist, or paralegal—or even pursuing an alternative path to becoming a lawyer by "training under a lawyer"—offers valuable experience and understanding of the legal field.
Significant Career Lesson From an Arbitrator and Mediator at Simburg Dispute Resolution
Mel's most significant career lesson emphasizes the importance of consistent high-quality work regardless of case size, stating "you can't make your effort proportional to what's involved in the case," prioritizing ethical conduct above financial considerations. A second key lesson highlights the need for calmness and objectivity, advising against emotional reactions and personalizing client interactions, recognizing that "clients say things because of where they are emotionally."
College Experiences That Helped an Arbitrator and Mediator at Simburg Dispute Resolution Succeed
Mel, an Arbitrator and Mediator, recommends focusing undergraduate studies on developing strong writing and critical thinking skills through language and literature, using remaining coursework to explore personal interests rather than solely focusing on career preparation. The professional also suggests supplementing academics with public speaking or theater to build crucial communication skills applicable to high-pressure professional settings, stating that such activities will "get you used to speaking to others, speaking under pressure".
Advizer Personal Links
SimburgDR.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/mel-simburg-1277ba/