Why Rina
Rina M. Goodman
Mediation Lawyer Rina M. Goodman
When I listen, I really listen. I listen for communication disconnects, misunderstandings and misperceptions, shared or divergent values, misinformation, and other matters that make a meeting of the minds difficult to accomplish. I point out patterns of interaction that are constructive and patterns of interaction that undermine the parties’ goals and therefore will benefit from a bit of redirection. These “interventions” often result in “aha” moments that enable clients to move beyond mistrust and anxiety.
I am committed to transparency and self-reflection in my work. Mediators are human, of course, so naturally we have our own biases and triggers. As a practitioner whose work requires constant vigilance against any loss of impartiality, I am constantly mindful of my responses to the conflict to ensure that I am not becoming invested in the outcome or influencing it.
I personalize each process so that it suits the participants and the situation. Before engaging clients in a mediation process or facilitated conversation, I conduct a pre-conference session to review and sign the agreement to mediate, design the process, and to discuss the next steps for moving forward.
I am tenacious and hopelessly optimistic. I care deeply about helping my clients achieve mutually satisfying solutions—even when the conflict feels intractable.
— Rina M. Goodman
When you work with me, there’s a higher likelihood that you’ll create long-term solutions that everyone will feel good about.
“All in all, I would say it was a positive experience because of the genuine concern and empathy you show for your clients, Rina. You went above and beyond to make sure we felt understood and that things we’re being clearly understood when it came to our mutual finances and agreements.
…“You were always great at steering us towards other professionals who could assist us when we had concerns or questions. I really appreciated that, Rina.
“Thanks so much for all you did for us. I was thankful to get to know you as a warm kindhearted person and a very professional and highly capable mediator.”
-Vicki D., regarding a divorce mediation
“I want to extend a big thank you to Rina for working with our team. Communication had broken down and everyone was feeling hurt and undervalued in their work. Rina opened up the lines of communication, providing a safe space for each of us to feel heard and not just listen to, but truly understand, what each other were feeling and perceiving. We developed common goals and expectations around communication and it is now better than we ever imagined it could be. As a result, each of us has improved in our roles and as a team.”
– Katy C., employee, small non-profit organization in Seattle, WA
“You were absolutely great! Bless you for all your kindness — the fruit, cookies, water, patience, direction, and gems of wisdom. You are a true peace maker!”
– Jennifer S., regarding a family mediation about trust property
“From the outset, my husband and I knew we wanted a collaborative process in seeking our divorce. There were a few issues that were particularly sticky when it came to finances, in particular. But Rina helped us listen to each other and the open environment led to a lot of ‘out-of-the-box’ ideas that eventually created our solutions. It took time. But it was time very well spent. My ex-husband and I are still not only on speaking terms, but have retained a lot more good will toward the other than we could have imagined at the outset.”
– Sherrie S.
“Above all, Rina is dedicated to balance in the mediation process. Her exquisite sense of service to the parties (and their children) is moving. Her delicate touch at challenging the mediating parties to carefully listen and re-state their opinions and positions was equally helpful.”
– Dale G.
“Words can’t express how grateful we are for the time and care you’ve taken to help us. We’ve learned so much from you and appreciate it more than we can say. With warm appreciation…”
– Note from a client regarding mediation to preserve couple’s marriage.
“It has been such a roller coaster ride and through it all you have been a beam of hope. . . I really feel and know you are committed to helping people communicate and heal through very difficult opposition. I am certain J & I wouldn’t have gotten to where we are now without your help. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
– Letter from a party to a strongly-contested parentage case.
“Thank you for all of your help and insights. I think A* and I are in a better place than we were before mediation!”
– Note from a client regarding a post-divorce mediation with blended-family issues.