The starfish became the symbol of my practice because it reflects the way I have approached law for my entire career, and I have often used this in my class to inspire students to help those in need. Its message also informs my work as a mediator: careful attention to each person’s circumstances and ability to participate can make a meaningful difference.

An old man was taking an early morning walk on the beach the morning after a storm, and the beach was blanketed by starfish. He saw a little girl reaching down to the sand, picking up starfish and very gently throwing them into the ocean.

“Young lady,” he asked, “Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?”

The girl replied with quiet certainty, “The sun is up, and the tide is going out, and if I do not throw them in, they will die.”

“But young lady, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it? You cannot possibly make a difference.”

The young woman listened politely, paused and then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves, saying: “It made a difference for that one.”

This story emphasizes the power of individual action, compassion, and responsibility even when the problem is larger than any one person can solve. That idea remains central to my work. Disability rights law often deals with large, entrenched systems and systemic barriers in housing, healthcare, education, employment, public access, and government services. There are millions of Americans who constantly face these barriers.

But the law still matters because it changes the life of one person. It matters to the Deaf patient who needs effective communication in a hospital. It matters to the child who should not be forced into a nursing facility. It matters to the tenant seeking an accommodation, the student seeking equal access, and the family trying to secure support without losing dignity or autonomy.

Making a difference also means helping businesses and organizations understand their responsibilities and find practical ways to meet them. A thoughtful response to an accommodation request, a clearer policy, or better communication can address an immediate concern and prevent future disputes.

In mediation, these same values guide a different role. As an impartial mediator, I work to create a process in which each party can participate effectively. That means paying attention to how people receive information, communicate their perspectives, understand the issues, and consider available options. It also means identifying and addressing barriers that may limit participation, including communication and accessibility needs.

Effective participation gives each party a meaningful opportunity to be heard, ask questions, evaluate proposals, and make informed decisions. My role is to support that participation and facilitate constructive discussion, while respecting each party’s autonomy to decide whether and on what terms to reach an agreement.

The starfish also reflects the values I want this practice to represent: careful attention, practical help, compassion, and the belief that every person and their needs matter.