Spotlight on Will Oden
DR Spotlight is a Q&A series that focuses on Dispute Resolution Section members.
Will Oden lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, and has practiced with Ward and Smith, P.A. in the areas of employment law and workers’ compensation since 2004, when he graduated from law school. He also serves as a mediator in employment and workers’ compensation cases. According to Will, any virtues he possesses come directly from his parents; the fault for the rest lies with him.
Q: Share one tip you think all mediators should know?
A: Don’t assume after the opening session that the case cannot settle.
Q: What’s your secret life hack?
A: I perform an 80/20 analysis every year-end (professionally and personally).
Q: What’s your favorite podcast?
A: “Works for Me,” the NCBA L&E podcast that I host. (:
Q: When was the last time you felt you failed and how did you overcome it?
A: I experience varying degrees of failure/success continually. The key, to me, is to keep plowing ahead.
Q: Share a quote that you love and that gives you strength or peace.
A: Don’t mistake kindness for weakness.