Bob Sewell - Be reasonable–you are not going to “win the negotiation.”

10 Lessons Learned

Host Siebe Van Der Zee speaks with guest Bob Sewell, a leading litigation attorney. Bob shares his 10 lessons learned, including topics such as listening, asking questions, sharing your point of view, and being nice but firm. He also discusses the importance of being reasonable, breaking all the rules when necessary, and tapping down excessive passion.

About Bob Sewell

Bob Sewell is a leading Arizona probate litigator, which means he gets involved when there is a dispute regarding wills, trusts and estates. Bob regularly writes and speaks on the subject of estate planning and estate litigation. His advice is sought by private individuals, practicing attorneys, local and national corporations, as well as local and national news outlets seeking commentary and analysis regarding the news of the day. Bob is an equity partner in the law firm Davis Miles McGuire Gardner.

Bob Sewell is also the host of the popular podcast called “Is That Even Legal?”—a podcast now heard in 87 countries and can be found on Apple, Google and Spotify, as well as most other podcast platforms.
Episode notes

Lesson 1: Listen, first. 06:41
Lesson 2: Ask questions, second. 09:40
Lesson 3: Share your point of view, third. 12:39
Lesson 4: Never bluff (well, almost never) and almost always call the bluff. 20:27
Lesson 5: Negotiate early in a dispute, except when you should negotiate late. 25:15
Lesson 6: Pride will ruin any negotiation. 29:29
Lesson 7: Be nice, but firm (likability is everything). 36:02
Lesson 8: Be reasonable–you are not going to “win the negotiation.” 37:50
Lesson 9: Get help from an intermediary. 40:25
Lesson 10: Break all the rules when all else fails. 43:58