Hindsight is 20/20—Mitch’s Top 10 of 2020
If this year can be captured in a single sentence, for me, I think it would be, “Sorry, I forgot I was on mute.”
Who would have imagined we’d be spending most workdays alone in front of a screen – sometimes being more productive than in person I might add – and connecting with people (colleagues, staff, friends, family…) virtually? Some of my favourite moments were: meeting up for coffee or cocktails on Zoom, speaking at and hosting various ADR webinars (noted on my 2020 Events archive), not having to wear a suit for mediations, and actually getting to see some of you in person prior to mid-March, and then later when it was warm enough – and safe enough – to do so.
As I reflect, what surprises me most is how much the year changed what I think about virtual mediations. That’s why I’m especially grateful I could continue my mediation work. And for a tech-savvy assistant.
Besides being grateful, here are the 10 top things I’m proudest of and inspired by as we close the case in 2020:
10. Being connected with our clients via frequent communication and supported their legal disputes.
9. Being entrusted with your mediation needs… by (Zoom) videoconference.
8. Observing the adaptability and resilience of the legal profession through constant change in regulation, in how we deliver our services, and the long-overdue overhaul of the judicial system itself.
7. Marking 25 years since I was called to the Bar.
6. Being inducted into the Canadian Academy of Distinguished Neutrals.
5. Mentoring law students, and newer lawyers and ADR professionals.
4. Starting a Med-Arb practice.
3. Launching my e-book 40 Mediation Advocacy Tips for Ontario Lawyers and revised CPD program and master class for junior lawyers, Excelling at Mediation Advocacy.
2. Chairing the OBA’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section Executive for the 2020/21 term.
1. Celebrating a one-year business anniversary—Mitchell Rose Law and Rose Dispute Resolution—and my 20th wedding anniversary!
In fact, 2020 is fully, and finally, settled!
From my face on screen to yours, I wish you, your teams, your families (and pets) good health and a prosperous 2021.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal or other professional advice.
