During an undergraduate anthropology course, Jennifer M. Segura was introduced to “The Cheyenne Way” by Karl Llewellyn, which explored how the Cheyenne tribe resolved conflict. Their relational, collaborative approach mirrored modern mediation and inspired Segura to pursue law school with the intent of building a mediation-focused career.
AALM: Tell us about your decision to focus on mediation over traditional family law, especially after working for a few family law firms out of law school.
JMS: Working in family law firms exposed me to how courts handle divorce and conflict. I expected contention, but I didn’t anticipate how broken and costly the process was for families. Too much time and client money spent on irrelevant battles that served professionals more than the clients. After nearly two decades, the system is more strained and broken than it was—reinforcing my commitment to mediation as a healthier alternative. Family court is terribly toxic, I am here to provide those who want it and are willing to work for it, a healthier alternative.
AALM: You launched your own mediation firm in 2008. Tell us what inspired you and your goals at the time.
JMS: During the 2007-08 real estate crash, stable legal jobs were scarce. Knowing my long-term goal was to work for myself anyway, I decided to start my practice while juggling part-time work to pay the bills. In 2010, I became the head mediator at a local firm, which helped me refine my skills and grow my reputation. By 2015, I was able to work full-time in my own business. That seven-year journey taught me that success rarely comes quickly—but persistence pays off.
What sets my firm apart is our holistic model—combining structured mediation with emotional guidance, resources, and post-divorce support. We don’t just reach agreements; we help clients rebuild, heal, and step into the next chapter of their lives with stability and self-understanding.
While other firms often mirror the legal system they’re trying to avoid, my practice intentionally rejects that model. We focus on reducing conflict, protecting families, and promoting long-term well-being over short-term wins.
AALM: What were some challenges you faced in growing your practice?
JMS: My biggest ongoing challenge has been maintaining work/life balance. I care deeply about my clients, and early on that often meant long hours and emotional investment. Over time, building a strong team and improving systems helped tremendously. In the last two years, embracing new technology has transformed our efficiency and allowed us to better support clients while protecting my time and well-being.
AALM: Do you have any mentors in the legal industry or in mediation in particular who have influenced you?
JMS: I’ve had many mentors—some teaching me what to do, others teaching me what not to do. My most meaningful mentorship has come from the Academy of Professional Family Mediators (APFM). Attending my first APFM conference felt like being truly “home” among mediators committed to establishing mediation as its own profession. After decades of collective effort, we now have a national Charter program moving the field toward long-overdue professional recognition.
AALM: Looking back on the cases you’ve handled are there any in particular that have stood out or any that shifted your approach to cases?
JMS: Rather than one standout case, I take something valuable from every couple I work with—an insight, a question, a need, or a way of communicating. Each case teaches me how to refine my process and better support future clients. I genuinely remember every couple, which is why it makes me smile when someone emails, “You probably don’t remember me…” I always do.
AALM: Looking ahead at your career, what do you hope to accomplish?
JMS: My priority is to continue offering clients a clear, supportive, and dignified process during major life transitions. I no longer aim to be the biggest; I want to go deep, not wide. My goal is to guide clients through a healing, structured experience that helps them rebuild from a grounded, authentic place. If we can send more emotionally healthy, confident people back into the world—rather than the depleted, battle-worn clients produced by litigation—we can truly make a positive difference. My mission is to help clients feel seen, supported, and prepared for the next chapter of their lives.
San Diego Family Mediation Center, LLC
Del Mar, California
858-736-2411
[email protected]
www.SanDiegoFamilyMediation.com
