MEDIJATOR Kristina Bajsić Bogović i Tihomir Zebec

Guest Kristina Bajsić Bogović i Tihomir ZebecHosted by Srđan ŠimacMay 3, 2026

Kristina Bajsić Bogović i Tihomir Zebec

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

Kristina Bajsić Bogović and Tihomir Zebec are part of a law firm that operates on a distinct principle: that legal practice in the 21st century demands more than just courtroom prowess. They represent a new kind of lawyer, one who actively seeks alternatives to the traditional adversarial system, particularly mediation. Their journey into this approach wasn't accidental; it arose from a recognition that conventional litigation often leaves clients disillusioned by its length and cost. Both Kristina and Tihomir bring unusual backgrounds to their legal work. Tihomir, a former kickboxer and state court judge, draws parallels between the discipline of martial arts and the focus required to solve complex legal issues, emphasizing qualities like persistence and concentration. He describes a moment of clarity as a judge when he realized his calling was not merely to rule on people's fates, but "to help people direct the resolution of human destinies in a direct way, meaning not by deciding on their rights, but by realizing their rights." This conversation explores how a diverse team, equipped with tools like mediation, can redefine what it means to serve clients. You'll hear how their contrasting personalities strengthen their firm and why embracing alternative dispute resolution isn't just a trend, but a fundamental shift in how lawyers can truly help those who seek their aid.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

Kristina describes her law firm's three partners as "totally different types," noting that one might be "more creative" while another is "stricter." This deliberate mix of personalities isn't a challenge to overcome, but a strength that offers varied approaches for clients and fuels fresh ideas within the firm.

Tihomir's path from kickboxer to lawyer, coupled with his observation that athletes often make "fantastic employees," reveals how the discipline and persistence learned in sports directly translate. The focus, endurance, and respect for others developed in competition become foundational for a resilient and humble professional approach.

Tihomir describes a "click" moment as a judge when he realized his true calling was "to help people realize their rights" directly, rather than just deciding their fates from the bench. This specific pivot from the bench to legal advocacy highlights that greater purpose can be found in actively enabling solutions than in the authoritative role of adjudication.

Kristina recalls how informing clients that traditional litigation could drag on for "three, four, five years" invariably led to their "hopes sinking, sinking, sinking." This emotional drain, more than just the financial cost, underscores why alternative dispute resolution offers a more humane path to resolution.

Tihomir notes that when he first suggests mediation, clients often react "as if you're speaking a foreign language," expecting him to solve their problem, not to guide them to solve it themselves. The initial hurdle for alternative dispute resolution isn't its efficacy, but overcoming the ingrained client expectation of a purely adversarial, hands-off process.

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