Why Lawyers Should Think Differently About Mediation feat. Felicia Harris Hoss
Felicia Harris Hoss · October 22, 2026
Interview with Felicia Harris Hoss
Podcast: You Are A Lawyer: Take Risks and Change Careers in Law
October 22, 2026 · 25 min
Listen to Felicia Harris Hoss on You Are A Lawyer: Take Risks and Change Careers in Law.
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About Felicia Harris Hoss
Distinguished Commercial Mediator and AAA Arbitrator, Advancing Early Dispute Resolution in Complex Business Matters
27+ years Commercial dispute-resolution experienceResolution 500 Co-drafted unanimously adopted ABA EDR policy#1 South Texas College of Law class rankFellow Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
With nearly three decades in commercial litigation, Felicia Harris Hoss knows first hand that: fewer than one percent of cases go to trial, yet companies spend enormous time and resources preparing for battles that likely will never happen. That insight is at the core of her work today as a mediator, arbitrator, and leading advocate for Early Dispute Resolution (EDR).
Felicia helps parties step back from reflexive litigation and make informed, strategic decisions earlier in the life of a dispute. EDR, which she helped elevate nationally by authoring the report supporting ABA Resolution 500—adopted unanimously in 2024—offers a structured path to clarity long before discovery costs and entrenched positions take over. Her work blends disciplined case analysis with practical dialogue, helping businesses and counsel evaluate and understand risk and opportunity without sacrificing leverage.
Her credibility is built on deep experience. Felicia is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and serves on the American Arbitration Association’s national rosters for both mediation and arbitration. She has been recognized by her peers among the Best Lawyers in America and Texas Super Lawyers for her excellence in ADR and commercial litigation. That background allows her to move fluidly between legal complexity, commercial realities, and the human dynamics that inevitably shape decision-making.
About this episode
Felicia Harris Hossis an attorney, mediator, and arbitrator who transitioned from litigation to helping parties resolve disputes more efficiently. In this episode of You Are A Lawyer, Felicia shares why early dispute resolution deserves more attention, how mediation can help clients save time and money, and why lawyers should recognize that successful advocacy doesn't always require a courtroom.
Lawyer Side Hustles
Beyond conducting mediations and arbitrations, Felicia contributes to the legal profession through writing, policy development, and community involvement. She authored the report supporting American Bar Association Resolution 500, which promotes early dispute resolution, and has worked with colleagues and law students on an article examining how attorneys can use early mediation more effectively. She also serves as a director of the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center in Houston, where mediation services help community members resolve conflicts.
"Think about it earlier in the process. Don't wait until you're about to go to trial to say, maybe we should go negotiate," Felicia Harris Hoss expresses in Episode 267 of You Are a Lawyer.
Felicia's professional activities demonstrate how lawyers can use their expertise beyond representing individual clients. Through continuing legal education, writing, policy work, and community dispute resolution, she helps other attorneys understand the value of resolving conflicts before litigation becomes unnecessarily expensive. Her work also introduces law students and newer attorneys to opportunities within the legal profession that may receive less attention than traditional courtroom practice.
This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
Guest: Felicia Harris Hoss
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