Beyond Smart: Lawyering with Emotional Intelligence — An Interview with Author Ronda Muir
From Resolutions: A Podcast About Dispute Resolution and Prevention by ABA Section of Dispute Resolution
June 27, 2025 · 51 min · Episode 31
About this episode
This episode features an interview with Ronda Muir discussing her book on emotional intelligence in lawyering.
In this episode of Resolutions, AAA Vice President Aaron Gothelf interviews lawyer, mediator, and author Ronda Muir about the newly released Second Edition of her groundbreaking book, Beyond Smart: Lawyering with Emotional Intelligence. Together, they explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) offers a competitive advantage for legal professionals, from improving negotiation outcomes to strengthening law firm culture and client relationships. Muir shares practical tips on hiring for EQ, boosting your own emotional intelligence, and how these skills can enhance your mediation or arbitration practice. They also discuss the role law schools play in preparing emotionally intelligent attorneys for today’s evolving legal landscape. Get your copy of Beyond Smart: Lawyering with Emotional Intelligence, Second Edition. Take an additional 20% off when you use discount code BSL2D20 at checkout (discount available until 8/31/2025). Listen on Apple Podcasts, PodBean, and Spotify.
People in this episode
Host: Aaron Gothelf
Guest: Ronda Muir
Topics covered
- emotional intelligence
- lawyering
- negotiation
- mediation
- legal education
Keywords
- competitive advantage
- negotiation outcomes
- law firm culture
- client relationships
- hiring for EQ
- boosting emotional intelligence
- mediation practice
- law schools
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Beyond Smart: Lawyering with Emotional Intelligence, Second Edition
Books & works: Beyond Smart: Lawyering with Emotional Intelligence, Resolutions, Second Edition
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