Usually opposing lawyers are not your enemy. But this one...
It was a FEMALE lawyer who refused to postpone matters so that I could accompany my wife during delivery.
(This is actually the sequel to one of my earlier posts about getting a court order to force the other side to go to mediation.)
After the mediation date was scheduled, the gynaecologist says the birth has to be induced due to low amniotic fluid levels. So I check my calendar and realise that D-Day is also mediation day.
Naturally I wrote to the other side to inform them if they would agree to postponing because it would be a once-in-a-lifetime event for me. I already got my client's consent.
Their reply? No.
And they threatened to make me personally liable for any wasted costs if I tried to get the postponement some other way.
So I had no choice but to show up and inform the mediators that I would stay as long as I could, but if they felt there was no reasonable prospect of settlement, please let me go to the hospital.
The mediators were sympathetic. The opposing lawyer did not even try to justify her hostile position. We carried on with the process.
By about 4pm, it was obvious there was no consensus. But for some reason the other side still wanted to monologue about how they were being commercially reasonable, and I was getting nervous as the clock ticked past 5.
At 5.30pm I gave up checking my phone intermittently and stared at the mediators, hoping that they would remember my request in the morning.
Luckily they did, and I sped off to the hospital. I got there in time to have dinner and go through the whole delivery process with my wife, and see my daughter arrive in the world about 2 hours later.
To this day, I still remember the opposing lawyer's name and firm. I wouldn't say there is anything to forgive her for, but her attitude was definitely unforgettable.
Navigating the legal world often requires balancing professional commitments with personal milestones, and this experience was a stark reminder of how tough that can be. I’ve learned that while opposing lawyers are usually professional and understanding, there can be exceptions where their rigidity complicates delicate situations. In cases like mine, where my wife's delivery needed to be induced on the same day as a scheduled mediation, it felt like a test of both legal procedures and human compassion. The refusal of the opposing female lawyer to postpone the mediation, despite knowing the gravity of the situation, was unexpected. This highlights how sometimes, legal advocacy can overshadow empathy, turning routine professional disagreements into deeply personal challenges. What struck me most was the threat to hold me personally liable for wasted costs if I pursued a postponement by other means — a pressure tactic that added unnecessary stress. Thankfully, the mediators were empathetic, and I was able to leave once it was clear no agreement was forthcoming. From this, I’ve taken away that effective communication and understanding are crucial in legal disputes, especially when personal emergencies arise. It's important to request flexibility firmly but respectfully and to rely on mediators or judges to help balance fairness and compassion. For legal professionals and clients facing similar dilemmas, my advice is to document all communications clearly, seek client consent upfront when adjustments are needed, and prepare backup plans. Mediation, while meant to be constructive, can sometimes become a source of conflict rather than resolution if empathy is overlooked. Ultimately, being present for my daughter's birth was priceless. This story serves as a reminder to fellow lawyers and professionals that amidst the pursuit of justice and resolution, the human element should never be forgotten.
