LEGAL INSIGHTS WITH ABIGAEL MOKUA

Last week, we talked about mediation and arbitration as part of our journey through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). As I mentioned, this week we’re wrapping up the series with the final part, where I’ll be diving into negotiation , conciliation , and traditional dispute resolution mechanisms .  1. NEGOTIATION   Negotiation is an informal and voluntary way for two or more parties to solve a dispute by talking directly to each other. Since there’s no third party involved, it’s usually faster and more affordable. The main aim is for everyone to agree on a solution that works for both sides, through open discussion and compromise. Negotiation is applied in many areas of industry, from business transactions and workers strikes to court settlements and family disputes Its characteristics include being informal, voluntary, and centered around the parties involved. It allows two or more sides to resolve disputes through open dialogue without a judge or arbitrator. The pro...

In my last blog post on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), I gave a general introduction and briefly mentioned the common types of ADR, like mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and conciliation. That post was more of an overview just to get us started. In today’s post, I want us to go a little deeper. I’ll be breaking down each type of ADR one by one, what it really means, how it works, its main features, and the kinds of situations where it’s most useful. This is a simple guide to help you understand the different ways people can resolve disputes without going to court. 1. MEDIATION   Mediation is a structured and voluntary process where a neutral third party, called a mediator , assists disputing parties in resolving conflict through the use of specialized communication and negotiation techniques. All participants in mediation are encouraged to participate in the process actively. The mediator doesn't make decisions or take sides but creates a safe space for open, respectful ...

As promised, here are some of the key life lessons I’ve learned throughout law school, lessons that shaped me just as much as the legal concepts did.  1.      DEVELOP A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD There are truly no words that can fully capture the value of this, but let me try. A relationship with God has literally saved my life. Life is tough, and doing it without God only makes it harder. I mean walking with God under Grace has truly helped me.  I may not preach a whole sermon right now (though I absolutely could), but what I mean is allowing the Grace of God to enter your life, to renew your mind, strengthen you, bring clarity, transform you, and constantly remind you that you are nothing less than a Child of the Most High God. Discovering who I am started with understanding who I was created to be. The mindset that God desires for you isn’t built through striving, it’s received through surrender to the Holy Spirit. 2.      GET CLEAR ON YOUR GOALS J...

I know most of my blog posts are usually about breaking down and simplifying legal concepts, but today, I want to do something different. I want to pause the educating and take a moment to share my journey through law school, raw, unfiltered, and straight from the heart. My hope is that as you read this, you’ll be reminded that it’s okay to stumble, it’s okay to take time to find your path, and most importantly, it’s okay to be human. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, I hope this encourages you to keep going and stay focused on your goal. You’re not alone.  I’ve spent the last few years walking through one of the most demanding yet beautiful journeys of my life, law school. From the moment I received my admission letter, I knew my life was about to change, but I didn’t fully grasp just how much I would grow, learn, and evolve not just as a future lawyer, but as a woman of purpose, discipline, and faith. Now, as I prepare to turn the page and step into a new season, I feel led to...