Becoming a Restorative Lawyer

By Brenda Waugh, JD, M.A.
Illustrated with photos by Howard Zehr

Rethinking Justice. Reimagining Law. Restoring Connection.

What if the practice of law could be grounded in healing, not harm?
In Becoming a Restorative Lawyer, Brenda Waugh invites lawyers, mediators, and community members to rethink how we approach conflict, moving away from adversarial systems and toward compassion, understanding, and collaboration.

Drawing from over thirty years as a lawyer, mediator, and restorative justice facilitator, Brenda shares real-world insights into how restorative principles can transform not only the way we resolve disputes but also how we experience justice itself.

Blending personal reflection, professional wisdom, and the foundational ideas of restorative justice pioneer Howard Zehr, whose striking photographs illustrate the book, Becoming a Restorative Lawyer offers a path toward a more humane and connected practice of law.

In this book, you’ll discover:

  • What it means to practice law restoratively

  • How to integrate restorative principles into everyday legal work

  • Stories of transformation from courts, mediation tables, and communities

  • Practical steps for building empathy, wellness, and justice in your work

Whether you are a legal professional seeking a new path, a student exploring alternatives to traditional practice, or a community member passionate about justice that heals, this book offers inspiration and tools for change.

Becoming a Restorative Lawyer is more than a professional guide. It is a call to restore humanity to the heart of the law.

Order from your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or from the publisher, Good Media Press.

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