Spotlight on Salim Uqdah

DR Spotlight is a Q&A series that focuses on Dispute Resolution Section members.

Salim Uqdah is a paralegal-mediator and the owner and director of Mediation for Uroboros Mediations, LLC in Charlotte. His work includes handling domestic, civil, criminal, special proceedings, and estates cases.

Q: Practice tips to help beginner mediators?
A: It takes time to develop your own mediation style, so be patience and be careful about the language you use with clients.

Q: One tip you think all mediators should know?
A: Nonverbal body language is helpful in peering into any participants in a mediation, even within yourself. You can tell what is happening in your body without visible confirmation. Be aware of what you’re experiencing and what other people are experiencing to help guide the mediation along according.

Q: What’s the first thing you do when you get out of bed?
A: I read for two hours before I start my day. It allows me to accomplish something before I leave my bed, which gives me energy throughout the day.

Q: Favorite podcast?
A: I love “It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders.” It is an NPR podcast that has the perfect balance of a news update, a smidgeon of pep, and an exercise in empathy. It is just uplifting enough to end my week on a good note.

Q: How do you deal with email?
A: I devote four designated slots in the day to response to text messages and emails. 8, 12, 4, and 9 are usually the best time to email people.

Q: You unexpectedly find 15 minutes in your day, what do you do with it?
A: Meditation is really important to me, so I will try engage in some mindfulness whenever I can. I practice Loving-Kindness Meditation, so I try to foster compassion on a small level starting with myself and then expanding to the whole universe. It may sound like hippie nonsense, but it’s helps me stay positive and grounded.