Y-ADR Spotlight Series - Interview Questions with Erin Klewin

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

I have really enjoyed meeting and networking with a wide range of ADR practitioners, including in-house counsel, law firm practitioners, and neutrals, from across the country and around the world.  CPR’s membership is exceptionally diverse and engaged, and it has been a privilege to build relationships with so many talented individuals. 

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

As a litigator throughout my legal career, first in private practice and now in-house, I have witnessed firsthand the benefits of mediating and resolving disputes before going to court.  I have seen how dispute prevention and early resolution can save companies substantial costs, preserve valuable relationships with business partners, and maintain confidentiality, which is often in the best interest of all parties involved.  As a liaison between business stakeholders and outside counsel representing the company in complex litigations, I fully appreciate any efforts to resolve disputes to avoid litigation, and these experiences inspired me to focus on ADR as a more constructive and efficient approach to conflict. As someone who has not had a lot of prior ADR experience, I have made it a priority to learn from experienced ADR practitioners, participate in professional organizations like the CPR Institute, and continually develop my skills in negotiation, mediation, and relationship-building.

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

Be proactive! Make an effort to seek out others who are doing what you want to be doing, whether that is arbitration, mediation, or working in-house in a particular field, and ask to speak with them about how they got to where they are.  Networking is so valuable in our profession, and you learn so much just by understanding how those before you navigated their own paths. Building relationships and learning from others’ experiences will help you discover opportunities and develop a clearer vision for your own career in ADR.

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

I would say that the personal traits that have benefitted me most in my career are active listening, critical thinking, and navigating interpersonal dynamics.  Active listening is key for conflict resolution as it builds trust, while critical thinking allows me to synthesize complex facts and competing priorities into clear, workable options.  And because my role as in-house counsel often involves liaising with diverse stakeholders with different styles, the ability to adapt communication and maintain rapport with many different personalities keeps conversations productive and facilitates positive working relationships and efficiency in decision making.

5. How can people with an interest in ADR get hands-on experience to further their career?

I would recommend that those who are interested in ADR gain hands-on experience by actively seeking out opportunities to participate in mediation, arbitration, or dispute prevention processes. This can include volunteering with organizations that offer ADR services, shadowing experienced practitioners, or joining professional groups such as the CPR Institute to network and learn from others in the field.  Attending workshops, trainings, and conferences can also be valuable for building practical skills and making connections.  But I would being proactive in reaching out to mentors and asking for guidance or opportunities is really key to opening doors to future roles in ADR.

6. What is your favorite ADR process to practice?

Dispute prevention is my favorite ADR process for a number of reasons.  From an in-house perspective, seeking to resolve a dispute before litigation begins is key to preserving commercial relationships with business partners that the company wants to continue to utilize.  Dispute prevention also saves businesses significant costs, as engaging outside counsel and litigating a case through the court system is extremely expensive, and often more expensive than the value of damages that the company is seeking.  Additionally, resolving disputes pre-litigation also enables matters to remain confidential unlike publicly-filed litigation, which often benefits both parties involved. 

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

Popcorn & Netflix with my fiancé!