Spotlight: Hon. Margaret “Meg” Poissant

Wed, Apr 29th, 2026 | by Miles Mediation and Arbitration | Get to Know our Neutrals | Social Share

We recently spoke with Hon. Margaret “Meg” Poissant about transitioning from the bench to a full-time ADR practice.

Q: Why did you decide to become a full-time mediator and arbitrator?

A: I understand unique and complex issues of law; resolving these issues is interesting to me. Understanding multiple sides of a dispute allows me to persuade the parties to consider a viewpoint other than their own, or, in arbitration, to issue an unbiased opinion based on the law and facts presented.

Q: What types of cases do you handle as a mediator and arbitrator?

A: The cases range from wrongful death and personal injury cases to complicated business disputes and high-stakes commercial litigation, including breach of contract cases, multiple-issue cases arising out of large-scale construction projects; negligence cases involving catastrophic injuries, defective products, and complicated issues of liability. I also handle litigation arising from disputes over arbitration clauses; real estate and easement disputes; prolonged trust and estate battles; family law disputes; and cases involving complicated questions of law involving appellate issues.

Q: How does your background as an appellate court judge shape your approach to mediation and arbitration?

A: My knowledge of multiple areas of the law became more focused while serving six years on the appellate bench. This experience requires a justice to read and listen carefully to understand and explain the issues and the law in opinions, which helps me find the right approach to discuss issues with the parties to resolve their disputes at mediation or arbitration.

Q: What advice do you have for attorneys — especially those newer to mediation—when it comes to preparing to mediate a case?

A: Be prepared, know your case and your client, and be prepared to listen. Bring your proof. Spend time with your client, know the case, know your client’s demands, understand what the client is willing to concede, and be specific about the relief your client wants. I speak with the attorneys before the mediation to better understand their client’s position in order to be prepared with alternative solutions for the parties to consider if the parties are at an impasse.

Q: What unique perspective do you bring to your role as a neutral?

A: Because of my experience on the appellate bench, my ability to analyze both sides of an argument became more pronounced. This is advantageous in persuading the parties to see their opponent’s side of the argument, facilitating the resolution of the dispute. I am committed to resolving every dispute that I mediate.

Q: Tell us a little bit more about your background, and your involvement in the legal community.

A: During my six-year tenure on the appellate bench, I authored over 300 written opinions on the merits and participated in thousands more.

Since 2021, I have chaired the Appellate Representation Committee for the Child Protection Section of the State Bar of Texas and have served as co-chair of the Law & Media Committee. I was also a member of the DEI Committee awarding scholarships to two law students from each of the three Houston law schools, and am a member of the Texas Bar College, a Life Sustaining Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation from 2019 to the present, and a Fellow of the Houston Bar Foundation, the National Association of Women Judges, and the Association of Women Attorneys.

Book a mediation or arbitration with Hon. Margaret Poissant today.

ABOUT MILES MEDIATION & ARBITRATION

Miles Mediation & Arbitration is shaping the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) industry with our comprehensive professional services model that combines the expertise of our highly skilled, diverse panel of neutrals with an unparalleled level of client support to guide and empower parties to fair, timely, and cost-effective resolution regardless of case size, specialization, or complexity. For more information, please call 888-305-3553 or email support@milesadr.com.