Flink Daddy in the House: Lessons from Atlanta’s Mediation Master

Think mediation is just shuttling offers back and forth like a courtroom carrier pigeon? Think again.In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, the Shewmaker & Lewis team sits down with legendary mediator and arbitrator Andy Flink - aka Flink Daddy, the Flinkster, and the Sultan of Flinkingness. From his unlikely start folding shirts in retail to building one of Atlanta’s leading ADR firms, Andy shares how mediation really works, when arbitration makes more sense, and why picking the right neutral can make or break a case.🎙️ Hosts: Steve Shewmaker, Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy Lewis, Alexa Lewis 🦸 Guest: Andy Flink, Mediator & Arbitrator, Founder of Flink ADR👨‍⚖️ Hosted by Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta attorneys helping families navigate divorce, custody, and criminal defense – with zero billboards and zero BS.🔍 You’ll learn:What makes a great mediator (hint: it’s more than carrying offers)The difference between mediation, arbitration, and “Med-Arb”How subject matter expertise can shape arbitration outcomesWhy preparation (and client control) matter before ADR beginsHilarious real-world stories from mediation and service gone sideways📌 Chapters: 00:00 – Meet the Flinkster 02:00 – From Divorce to Mediation: Andy’s Unlikely Path 05:00 – Building Flink ADR and Atlanta’s First Family Law ADR Firm 08:30 – Mediation Styles: More Than Just Passing Notes 12:00 – Arbitration Explained: Courtroom “Lite” 17:00 – In-Caucus Arbitration, Zoom Hearings & Pants Optional 20:00 – Funniest Mediation Stories (Dumpster Divers & Bar Bets) 25:00 – Med-Arb: When Mediation Turns into Arbitration 28:00 – Tips for Attorneys Before Entering ADR 31:00 – Closing Thoughts from the Flinkmeister👉 Have a question or topic idea? Visit shewmakerandlewis.com🔗 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. Search Lawyers Without Billboards. 📺 Video version on YouTube:📩 Contact: [email protected] 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez at Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by Rob Burgner at Bleeding Edge in Atlanta, GA