The Hon. David H. Ironson, J.S.C. (Ret.) Publishes “What Bruce Springsteen Taught Me About Resolving Conflict” in the New Jersey Law Journal

Hon. David H. Ironson, J.S.C. (Ret.), who is Of Counsel and Chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice Group at the firm, proudly displays several framed photographs of Bruce Springsteen on his office walls because, as he says, “For nearly fifty years, Springsteen’s music has been a constant in my life and I’ve been fortunate to have seen him perform countless times across the country and abroad.”

After decades as both a civil litigator and a judge, Judge Ironson understands that “mediation is not simply a procedural alternative to trial. It is a human process. Success often depends less on legal positioning than on emotion, preparation, credibility, and timing. Oddly enough, a number of Springsteen songs capture the realities of ADR remarkably well.”

“What Bruce Springsteen Taught Me About Resolving Conflict,” published in the New Jersey Law Journal, takes readers through the lyrics of several Springsteen songs, matching themes of conflict and hardship with the process of alternative dispute resolution. Of note, Judge Ironson says, “the most meaningful and effective resolutions occur outside the courtroom through thoughtful negotiation, candid evaluation, and experienced guidance.”

Please read the full essay, maybe listen to a Springsteen playlist, and enjoy the power of lyrics and music. As Judge Ironson concludes, “Sometimes the best outcome is not winning everything. Sometimes it is achieving closure, restoring perspective, and moving forward toward something better…a legal version of Springsteen’s ‘Land of Hope and Dreams.’ Bruce’s lyrics surely resonate: ‘Leave behind your sorrows, let this day be the last, well, tomorrow there’ll be sunshine and all this darkness past.'”

Read “What Bruce Springsteen Taught Me About Resolving Conflict” here. (Subscription may be required.)

Download a PDF of the article here.