From Courtroom to Conference Room: The 4 C's of Mediation with Felicia Harris Hoss
Felicia Harris Hoss · February 2, 2026
Interview with Felicia Harris Hoss
Podcast: Studying Law Around the World
February 2, 2026 · 24 min
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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
In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sit down withFelicia Harris Hoss, a distinguished mediator and arbitrator who spent over 28 years as a complex commercial litigator before pivoting her practice from the courtroom to the "conference room".
We discuss why less than 1% of cases actually go to trial and why the smartest lawyers are now prioritizing Early Dispute Resolution (EDR). Felicia explains the critical difference between serving as an "Advocate" versus a "Neutral" and breaks down the "Four C's of Mediation" (Confidentiality, Control, Creativity, and Certainty) that make it a superior alternative to traditional litigation.
Felicia also shares her experience spearheading ABA Resolution 500, which urges lawyers to pursue voluntary resolution early rather than waiting for court orders, and offers advice for young lawyers on why "street cred" in the trenches is necessary before becoming a mediator. Whether you are a law student interested in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or a litigator looking to serve your clients better, this episode is a masterclass in conflict management.
In this episode, we cover:
The reality of court backlogs and why trials are delayed for years.
The "Four C's" of Mediation: Confidentiality, Control, Creativity, and Certainty.
The difference between an Advocate and a Neutral.
How ABA Resolution 500 is changing the landscape of Early Dispute Resolution.
Why employment disputes benefit specifically from early mediation to save reputations and morale.
Career advice for lawyers who want to become mediators.
About the Guest: Felicia Harris Hoss is an Independent Mediator and Arbitrator at Harris Hoss PLLC based in Houston, Texas. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb), a Member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (NADN), and currently serves as Chair of the Houston Bar Association ADR Council. She has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for both Commercial Litigation and Mediation.
Guest: Felicia Harris Hoss
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