Interview with Lexitas
Michael Mullen
November 20, 2024
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Interview with Lexitas: Michael Mullen
I'm thrilled to interview Judge Michael Mullen, who joined Lexitas last spring as our Director of ADR & Counsel. Judge Mullen brings an impressive breadth of experience from his extensive career as a judge and litigator, making him an invaluable resource for Lexitas and our clients.
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| Judge Michael Mullen Director of ADR and Counsel St. Louis, MO |
Debbie Weaver:
Hi there! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions and share a little bit about yourself. Let’s start with the basics: What drew you to the legal profession, and how has your perspective on the law evolved over the years?Michael Mullen:
I come from a very close family. My older sister went to law school and became a prosecuting attorney. I was fascinated with what she did. Ever since I was in high school, that was my goal.Debbie Weaver:
I love that family connection! How did your time on the bench – particularly presiding over high-stakes trials – shape your approach to arbitration and mediation?Michael Mullen:
In my 22 years serving on the bench in the City of St. Louis, I saw a wide variety of cases. Too many times, I saw litigants leave a trial disappointed by the result they received from a jury. Also too many times, I saw lawyers spending money and effort to get a jury trial result that was predictable from the get-go. Mediation allows litigants to have more of a say in the outcome of their cases and allows lawyers to receive feedback from a neutral source about what a likely outcome might be.Debbie Weaver:
That’s a good point. What motivated you to transition from a judicial role to a counsel position in ADR, especially here at Lexitas?Michael Mullen:
I loved every minute of being a judge. It’s the best job in the world. But after 22 years on the bench, I didn’t want to get to point where I lost my enthusiasm for what that job was. It seemed like the right time for me to leave. I spent a year at Armstrong Teasdale, where I worked with a lot of great people there and learned so much about litigation. The majority of my work there was in mediation, and when the opportunity with Lexitas opened up, it seemed like a perfect fit.Debbie Weaver:
We’re definitely glad that path opened up! What aspects of Lexitas’ work in ADR excite you the most, and where do you see the greatest potential for growth?Michael Mullen:
I really enjoy participating in mediations. Each mediation presents an opportunity to help litigants reach a settlement outside of the traditional litigation route. People can save time and expense and – more importantly – feel like they’ve had a say in the outcome of their litigation.Debbie Weaver:
Given your extensive experience in both criminal and civil cases, how do you approach different types of disputes in ADR?Michael Mullen:
Bottom line, people want to be heard. That is true no matter what type of disputes are being handled. Litigants generally don’t care about the rules of evidence. They want a neutral person to hear what the word on the street is or what a friend of a friend might have heard. Much of what we discuss in mediations is inadmissible hearsay at a trial. But getting to tell their entire story presents an opportunity for closure in the lives of many people. Once they know they’ve been heard, we can work toward a reasonable resolution together.Debbie Weaver:
That’s a great way to think holistically about the entire process. What do you find most rewarding about working with clients through Lexitas, and what unique skills do you feel you bring to the team?Michael Mullen:
I’ve seen a lot of trials in my time. I understand the risks and possible rewards of a jury trial. I have the ability to speak frankly with litigants about the types of exposure that are at stake when taking cases to trial. I find being able to speak directly and openly with clients very rewarding. I enjoy making that person-to-person connection. That was something I wasn’t able do on the bench.Debbie Weaver:
As a frequent speaker and panelist, are there any key themes you emphasize about the future of ADR or legal trends?Michael Mullen:
ADR is the future of litigation – I firmly believe that. Litigation costs are rising all the time, and in too many instances, the expense putting a case together can be staggering. ADR offers options for people to resolve their disputes in a reasonable and thorough manner.Debbie Weaver:
Very true. Switching it up a bit, what do you like to do when you’re not at work? What’s your favorite way to spend weekends or time away from the office?Michael Mullen:
I became a grandfather for the first time about three months ago! Mary Colette Theriault has stolen all my desire to do anything but sit and hold her and stare at her beautiful face! But a few times a week, I still manage to get a good pickleball session in with other family and friends.Debbie Weaver:
Ha! Pickleball and grandbabies – doesn’t get much better than that. Back to the office, though, what is your favorite part of approaching work each day? What gets you up in the morning and keeps you engaged?Michael Mullen:
First, I work with a great group of people at the Lexitas office. To a person, they are hard-working and just really pleasant to be around. They make coming to work fun. Also, every case has a different fact pattern, and I enjoy learning a little bit about the underlying issues. In that way, this is similar to being a judge. I get the chance to learn a little bit about a lot of different topics.