It’s All Your Fault: High Conflict People cover image

It’s All Your Fault: High Conflict People

Be Assertive, Not Aggressive: Winning in Family Court with Judge Bruce Cohen (ret.)

Mar 27, 2025
In this engaging conversation, retired Judge Bruce Cohen shares his extensive knowledge of family law and unpacks the crucial difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness in court. He emphasizes how assertive communication can lead to better outcomes in custody disputes, while aggression often escalates conflict. The discussion also touches on managing high-conflict personalities without resorting to diagnosing, focusing on behavior instead. Judge Cohen provides practical tips for legal writing and presenting cases effectively, ensuring clarity and impact in family court.
47:10

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Assertiveness in communication fosters respect and clear expression of needs, which positively influences judicial perceptions in family court.
  • Addressing specific behaviors rather than using diagnostic labels helps maintain focus on child welfare and improves court outcomes.

Deep dives

Transforming Conflict into Opportunity

Effective leadership involves the ability to transform conflict into opportunity, particularly in high-stakes environments. Utilizing strategies from specialized training can help leaders manage high-conflict individuals in the workplace by promoting teamwork over tension. Establishing limits on unacceptable behaviors, including bullying, is crucial to maintaining a healthy working environment. Investing in conflict management skills not only enhances leadership success but also fosters collaboration among team members.

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