Meet Our Neutrals — Tara Zimmerman

From the "Keystone State" to the "Sunshine State," Tara Zimmerman developed a reputation for being professional, diligent, and thorough — first as a trial lawyer, then a business advisor, and now as a full-time mediator. Those who hire her benefit from her broad experience across subject areas, as well as her firsthand experience in the courtroom and her work overseeing litigation and counseling clients from the perspective of general counsel.

Growing up in Northeast Pennsylvania, where her father was a sports writer for The Sunday Independent, Tara earned a degree in marketing from Penn State. Even before college, Tara knew she wanted to become a lawyer, in large part due to the influence of her two aunts, both of whom were lawyers and set an example for her. After graduating from Widener University Commonwealth Law School and completing a clerkship for The Honorable Kimberly McFadden, Tara began her legal career as a prosecutor, where she learned the essentials of trying a case in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. This experience helped her hone the ability to quickly identify the key elements that can influence how cases unfold at trial. As a civil litigator, Tara handled cases ranging from personal injury and professional liability to regulatory matters while continuing to refine her analytical approach and her ability to assess what truly drives trial outcomes. Those who now hire her as a mediator benefit from this depth of experience, as she helps guide parties toward resolutions where they can control the outcome of their legal dispute.

When not working, Tara enjoys being outdoors and participating in sports, having grown up playing field hockey. She particularly enjoys spending time with her family on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Bethany Beach in Delaware, and Pass-a-Grille in Florida.

When did you first think about becoming a mediator?

Over time, I began to recognize that the part of my work as a litigator I found most engaging was not the mechanics of litigation itself but helping cases reach resolution. As my practice evolved, I was consistently more interested in how disputes could be thoughtfully resolved than in prolonging adversarial positioning. That perspective sharpened through repeated exposure to mediation, where careful listening, sound judgment, and practical problem solving mattered most. At some point, it became clear that this was not just a preference, but the work I found most effective and meaningful.

What did you do before becoming a mediator?

Before transitioning to becoming a mediator, I practiced law for many years representing clients in complex nursing home, medical malpractice, and personal injury matters. I also served as in-house counsel for a healthcare organization where I worked closely with executives, risk managers, insurers, and outside counsel. That dual perspective — advocating for clients and advising an organization from within — provided a deep understanding of both the legal and practical realities that drive decision making. Throughout that time, mediation was a consistent and meaningful part of my practice, shaping how I approached problem solving and conflict resolution.

Who, what, when, where did you decide to mediate? Tell us your initiation story.

My decision to become a mediator was shaped by long exposure to dispute resolution from multiple professional vantage points. I spent years working within the legal and healthcare risk environment, participating in mediations involving complex, emotionally charged matters. Repeatedly, I saw how outcomes improved when the process was guided by a neutral who understood both the legal framework and the human dynamics at play. What stood out to me was how often conflict persisted not because resolution was impossible, but because communication had broken down or positions had hardened unnecessarily. I recognized that my temperament, judgment, and experience were well suited to helping parties navigate those moments. Over time, mediation became a natural professional progression, allowing me to apply my background while remaining fully neutral and focused on facilitating fair, informed, and forward-looking resolutions for all involved.

If you could tell your former self one thing after graduating from law school, what would it be?

I would tell my former self that success in law is not just about mastering statutes and case law — it's also about learning to listen to the people you are working with and for. Listen carefully, communicate clearly, and build trust. And above all, trust yourself. You know more than you think, and confidence will carry you further than doubt ever could.

What is your favorite part of being a mediator?

My favorite part of being a mediator is helping people find common ground when it feels out of reach. Seeing conversations shift from a narrow focus to a broader understanding, and watching people work toward solutions they can all agree on, is incredibly rewarding. It's not about winning or losing — it's about creating a path forward that feels fair to everyone.

Where do you see the mediation profession in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see the mediation profession becoming a cornerstone of conflict resolution. As people and businesses look for faster, more cost-effective, and less adversarial ways to solve disputes, mediation will move from being an alternative to being the first choice. Technology will play a big role, as it is starting to already, making mediation more accessible and efficient. But the heart of the profession will remain the same: helping people communicate, understand each other, and find common ground.

What is something about you not too many people are aware of?

Outside of work, I'm very rooted in family and the interests we share. I have an extremely large extended family and value the time we spend together, especially with my daughter. I'm also a big college football fan, which started early thanks to my father, who was a sports writer for a local newspaper. Growing up, he would invite college or professional players and prospective players to our house. One of our favorite family stories is that my father and brother were part of the cheering section chanting "Rudy" during the filming of the movie Rudy at Notre Dame Stadium, claiming they can be heard chanting over everyone else. At home, I enjoy baking and cooking — I admit to watching too many baking and cooking shows. I also have a strong interest in real estate and following the market. I have two lively dogs who keep me busy, and when I have the chance to step away from work entirely, the beach is where I prefer to be.