Y-ADR Spotlight Series - Interview Questions with Tatevik Kechiyants

Tatevik Kechiyants

Mediator, T|K Mediation 

1. What has been a beneficial aspect of engaging with the CPR Institute for you personally or professionally?

CPR Institute is a leading organization in the field of ADR. I am constantly motivated by the educational and networking opportunities provided by CPR. I value the opportunity to connect with and learn from a community of dedicated ADR professionals. The webinars and events organized by CPR provide invaluable insights into current trends and best practices. Specifically, engaging with the Y-ADR community has been a great opportunity to see how my peers are using ADR in their career, and I am looking forward to fostering these valuable connections.

2. What inspired you to steer your career toward ADR, and what steps did you take to make it to where you are today?

I was drawn to ADR by its emphasis on collaborative problem-solving and its potential to transform conflict resolution. When I was researching my next steps for professional growth, I immediately related to the values that ADR brings to the legal field and the world in general. I pursued this path by obtaining my LLM with a concentration in ADR, engaging in pro bono work to gain practical experience, and actively seeking out and participating in various ADR trainings and CLEs.

3. What is one piece of advice you would give to somebody who wanted to pursue a career in ADR?

ADR is a dynamic field that requires creativity, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning. I recommend embracing experiential learning: volunteer with ADR organizations, participate in mediation clinics, and seek mentorship from seasoned professionals. Attend conferences, join professional associations like CPR, and engage with other practitioners to expand your knowledge and gain valuable insights. While entry-level positions may be limited, consider building your own practice and collaborating with seasoned practitioners to gain valuable experience.

4. What is an issue that you see within the field of ADR and how can that issue be combated?

One of the challenges facing ADR is that it is perceived as an 'alternative' to litigation, rather than a preferred approach to conflict resolution. The term 'alternative' inadvertently implies that litigation is the default or primary method, and ADR is only considered when other options have been exhausted. To combat this, we need to shift the narrative and emphasize that early dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration, and other ADR processes, should be the preferred approach for many disputes, with litigation reserved for those situations where ADR is not feasible or appropriate. This can be achieved through strong collaboration with courts, legal professionals, educators, and community organizations to raise awareness and integrate ADR concepts into various settings.

5. Is there a moment in your career that you are most proud of?

I was particularly proud of successfully mediating and settling my first probate matter, which had been in litigation for several years. The mediation process lasted only four hours. The success of this mediation was due in part to the constructive approach demonstrated by one of the attorneys, who openly and honestly shared their perspectives with me in caucus sessions. This experience showed me that even when one party actively engages in the collaborative spirit of mediation, positive outcomes can be achieved. The more I practice mediation, the more I am convinced that with effective guidance and a supportive environment, most disputes can be resolved peacefully and amicably.

6. What personal characteristics are most beneficial to you in your career?

My optimism and perseverance help me maintain a positive and solution-oriented approach, even in the most difficult situations. Adaptability is also crucial when dealing with unexpected challenges or when parties’ positions evolve during the mediation process. Empathy plays a vital role in understanding the emotional needs of the parties and building trust, which is essential for a successful mediation. I find that by combining these qualities with creativity and a commitment to exploring all possible avenues, we often find mutually agreeable solutions that exceed the initial expectations of the parties.

7.  (Fun one!) Describe your perfect Friday night in 5 words or less.

Family, friends, beach, music.