Promoting the Collaborative Process Through Law & Leadership

Robert Merlin is the immediate-past President of the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals, former President of the Collaborative Family Law Institute and a Senior Partner and the Founder of Robert J. Merlin, P.A., where he represents clients in divorces through the Collaborative Process. In this episode, Bob gives a detailed and inspiring explanation of exactly what the Collaborative Practice is, how it works and why it’s such a valuable approach to divorce and other (often legal) matters. Bob shares what it was like to be a hard-nosed litigator for so much of his legal career and how he then came to learn of the Collaborative Process. He explains how he learned more about it, incorporated it into his own practice and how he would ultimately transition to exclusively handling matters for clients through the Collaborative approach. Where and with whom did the Collaborative Practice originate? How long has this practice/approach been around? Why is it seen by many as a better approach to litigation? What are the personal and professional implications of incorporating this practice into how you serve clients? Is this a formally recognized approach to resolving divorces and other disputes? Is the Collaborative Approach limited to only divorce/family law? How did self-leadership play a role in exploring this new and alternative approach to how you’ve practiced law for so long? What compelled you to no longer litigate and only work with clients in the Collaborative way? Why might other attorneys or professionals be hesitant about incorporating this approach into their regular practice/workflow? What skills are necessary and/or developed when this Collaborative Process is adopted/incorporated? Is this process right for everyone facing divorce or other disputes? Why is language so important as part of this Process? You will have these and so many other questions answered as you learn about this fascinating, refreshing and effective approach to an area of law that has been handled in such a way for so long. Bob is experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about this work and, as he shares, “if he can do it, so can you!”. Enjoy the episode! 

Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):

You can connect with Bob Merlin on LinkedIn or at [phone].

Click here to learn more about Bob’s practice and the Collaborative Process

Click here to learn more about the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals (FACP)

• Email Hakim directly to learn more about his upcoming Keynote at the May 2025 FACP Annual Conference. 

Click here to learn more about the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP)

Did this podcast spark something in you or get you to take action in some way? I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on our conversation. You can hit me up on Instagram @lakhdar_coaching, LinkedIn: /hakimlakhdar, Twitter @LakhdarCoaching, and Facebook/LakhdarCoaching

I’m always looking to connect with people who are passionate about leadership as well as companies who value and support strong leaders in their own organization. If that’s you or you know someone then drop me a line at [e-mail] 

Check out previous episodes of Access Your Leadership on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.