Addressing Complaints with Empathy to Foster Trust and Resolution

I’ve overseen the representation of traumatized clients in thousands of cases, and I’ve learned something that might surprise you: the institutional response to addressing complaints often causes more damage than the initial incident. When someone comes to you with a complaint, and you’re focused on addressing complaints properly, you’re not just dealing with their original […]
How Trauma-Informed Policies Can Prevent Litigation

I’ve spent years helping organizations understand something that might seem counterintuitive: the best way to protect yourself from lawsuits isn’t to build higher walls or hire more lawyers. It’s to recognize that when someone comes to you with a complaint, they’re often already traumatized—and how you respond in those first critical moments can determine whether […]
How to Navigate “He Said/She Said” Situations in the Workplace

The road to the whole truth is messy. The only certainty you can count on are competing narratives. I’ve overseen the representation of clients in thousands of cases, and I’ve learned something crucial: when you’re facing conflicting accounts of what happened in situations in the workplace, your response in those first critical moments determines whether […]
The Role of Transparency in Building Trust with Employees and Clients

I’ve seen firsthand how transparency can transform an organization’s relationship with both employees and clients. When I was navigating my own experience at Harvard, the lack of transparency in their process left me feeling powerless and excluded. That experience taught me something crucial: transparency isn’t just about being nice—it’s about preventing unnecessary damage to everyone […]
How Mismanaged Complaints Lead to Soaring Legal Fees

I’ve overseen the representation of clients in thousands of cases, and I can tell you this: most of the devastating legal battles I’ve seen could have been prevented. Not through better lawyers or stronger contracts, but through better complaint handling in those crucial first moments when someone comes forward with a problem. Here’s what I’ve […]
The Role of Transparency in Building Trust with Employees and Clients

Transparency is one of the most critical elements in fostering trust within an organization. When employees and clients feel that an organization is open, honest, and clear in its communication and processes, they are more likely to engage positively and less likely to resort to legal action when issues arise. On the other hand, organizations […]
Why Early Intervention Can Save Your Company from Costly Legal Battles

When someone comes to you with a complaint, you have a choice. You can see it as a threat to your organization, or you can recognize it for what it really is—an opportunity to strengthen your institution before a small problem becomes an expensive nightmare. I’ve overseen the representation of clients in thousands of cases, […]
How Trauma-Informed Policies Can Prevent Litigation

In recent years, trauma-informed care has become a focal point in healthcare, education, and social services. But trauma doesn’t just affect patients or students—it plays a critical role in workplace dynamics as well. When employees experience trauma, whether from workplace harassment, discrimination, or personal issues outside of work, their ability to report and navigate conflict […]
Why Trauma Matters in Organizational Complaint Handling

When someone comes to you with a complaint, you’re not just dealing with facts and procedures. You’re dealing with a human being who may be traumatized—and how you respond in those first critical moments can determine whether you’re headed for a constructive resolution or a costly legal battle. I’ve overseen the representation of traumatized clients […]
How Mismanaged Complaints Lead to Soaring Legal Fees

In any organization, the cost of legal disputes can be staggering. What many companies fail to recognize is that the way they handle complaints at the outset can have a profound impact on whether a conflict escalates into a costly legal battle. When complaints are mismanaged—whether through delays, neglect, or defensive approaches—the consequences often go […]
