#8 - In conversation with Michele Brooks, mediation and the human side of family law

In this episode of The Family Compass, mediator and barrister Michele Brooks joined hosts Michelle and Zach to share her wisdom, stories, and hard-earned insights from decades in family law and why mediation can be such a powerful alternative to the courtroom. 

Michele didn’t grow up surrounded by lawyers. In fact, law wasn’t even on her radar at first. But through self-discovery, a fierce curiosity, and a deep desire to help people, she found her way into the profession. After almost 30 years in family law, Michele realised that her true calling lay in mediation, a space where she could help families work through disputes with dignity, care, and control, rather than leaving everything to be decided by the court. 

As Michele explained, mediation gives people something court rarely does, a say in their own outcome. It’s not just about avoiding the stress, expense, and time of litigation. It’s about creating an environment where people feel heard and understood. 

She spoke about the emotional strain that court can place on families, and how mediation offers a gentler path. It’s a place where conflict can be untangled in a controlled, respectful way, and where solutions tend to last because they’ve been built by the people who live with them. 

Preparation, Michele says, is everything. From making sure the day’s logistics are clear, to gathering all the right documents, to holding separate intake conversations. It’s about giving everyone the best possible chance of a constructive discussion. She approaches each mediation with the goal of really getting to know the people involved, their stories, and the emotions beneath the surface. 

One of the things that stood out in this conversation was Michele’s ability to hold space for both the legal and the human side of mediation. She doesn’t just focus on settlements, she creates space for personal healing, too. Through personal stories and real-life examples, she showed how tailored agreements can transform once-heated disputes into conversations that feel collaborative rather than combative. 

Michele’s passion isn’t limited to the families she helps today, she’s equally invested in the mediators of tomorrow. She mentors emerging professionals, passing on not just techniques, but the empathy and care that define her work. For her, it’s about ensuring the next generation is just as equipped to create meaningful change in people’s lives. 

By the end of the episode, it’s clear that Michele Brooks doesn’t just practise mediation, she lives it. Her empathy, meticulous preparation, and commitment to constructive outcomes shine through in every word. Whether you’re a legal professional, a future mediator, or someone navigating family challenges yourself, her insights are a reminder that there’s always a better way forward, one built on understanding, respect, and lasting peace. 

The Family Compass is recorded, edited and produced by Michelle and Zach Oates. dedicated to sharing information and promoting access to justice. We explore the lived experiences of our guests to guide you through the complexities of family relationships.

Be inspired by those who have walked similar paths: divorced parents finding new ways forward, blended families creating new bonds, single parents achieving their goals, and professionals offering their insights.

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