Associate Professor Joel Lee co-trained the first batch of mediators for the Singapore Mediation Center (SMC). He is one of the principal mediators on its team. He is also involved in conducting mediation workshops and consultation work. In addition, he serves as Associate Editor of the Asian Journal of Mediation.

Q. Why do you believe so firmly in the efficacy of mediation as a form of dispute resolution?
JL: Mediation suits my nature. A part of me believes in talking through issues and solving problems through reasoned discussion. I believe that we can agree to disagree, and learn to disagree without being disagreeable. In reality, both parties to a dispute often have valid concerns and arguments. The key to smooth dispute resolution is being able to appreciate and understand the validity of a viewpoint that is different from yours. Mediation calls for a shift in our thinking. It calls for us to move from a paradigm of a dualistic, exclusive dichotomy to an attitude which embraces continuum thinking because arguably, no one side has a monopoly of truth.

Q. What are the challenges you have faced conducting mediation classes?
JL: My biggest challenge is the adversarial mindset that my 4th year students bring with them on the first day of class. The attitude required for mediation is so different from that required in litigation that it takes legally trained students by surprise. My first task is to help them break out of their limited win-win mentality and make them aware that litigation isn’t the only way to solve problems.

Q. Tell us about the rewarding moments you have experienced while conducting mediation classes.
JL: I enjoy conducting mediation classes immensely. Lessons are conducted in a highly interactive and hands-on manner. Lectures form but a small component of classes – I encourage my students to engage in role-playing scenarios which enable them to apply their skills in an immediate and practical manner. My teaching philosophy is that if you’re having fun, you’re learning, and my classes reflect this ethos.

Ruth Yeo is a second year law student and an associate editor of SLR