When Associate Professor Nicolás Parra-Herrera wrote his thesis about the Socratic philosophy for his master’s degree, Socrates’ way of examining himself and others through conversation resonated with him. Parra-Herrera has carried this emphasis on dialogue to his career in law and is excited to be named the inaugural Wagner/Holbrook Presidential Chair in Negotiation at Utah Law.
“Utah Law is deeply committed to fostering and developing negotiation, mediation, and other collaborative problem-solving skills, which I consider vitally important,” Parra-Herrera says. “I am honored to be this chair’s inaugural holder and be part of a community that values solving differences productively and fostering integrative solutions.”
After studying philosophy and law at Universidad de los Andes, in Bogotá, Colombia, Parra-Herrera worked at a major law firm specializing in technology, media, and communications law before transitioning to a boutique firm to focus on litigation, arbitration, and corporate law. He also taught courses on jurisprudence, legal interpretation, and contracts at Universidad de los Andes while working at the law firm and clerked at the Colombian Constitutional Court.
In 2019, Parra-Herrera attended Harvard Law School as a graduate student, studying and researching alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and focusing specifically on the theory, philosophy, and intellectual history of negotiation and mediation. He also served as a teaching fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard College, leading courses on moral leadership, economic justice, and ethics for public life. Parra-Herrera then worked as a graduate fellow in the Negotiation Program, as a Byse Fellow at HLS, and as a civil discourse graduate fellow at the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics.
“Over the past nine years, I have also lectured various courses on dispute resolution, negotiation, leadership, private law, and legal philosophy at Universidad de los Andes Law School in Colombia,” he says. “In short, my career and academic background have been shaped by an interdisciplinary approach that combines pragmatism and theory to enhance our understanding of conflict resolution, collaboration, problem-solving, and ethical engagement in managing differences.”
Though Parra-Herrera is new to Utah, he says people at the school have been welcoming from the beginning and made him feel he could belong and contribute.
“What impressed me most was the intellectual environment and the people—students, staff, and faculty members. Through my interactions with them, I saw that they deeply care about this institution, innovative research, new ideas, and educating future generations of lawyers,” he says.
Originally drawn to how philosophy and law complement each other—”one fostering new ways of thinking, the other shaping the world,” he says—Parra-Herrera says his approach to teaching negotiation and mediation is rooted in understanding others and himself and finding ways to coexist.
“As I practiced law, I often encountered an adversarial mindset in litigation and dealmaking, which made me long for a more Socratic, dialogical approach to problem-solving. Yet, despite the adversarial nature of legal practice, I came to see that lawyers constantly engage in negotiation, mediation, and other collaborative problem-solving processes,” he says. “Negotiation is more than just a technique; it is a toolkit for persuading, understanding, and leading others—and oneself. Mediation, in turn, introduces another set of skills and perspectives, emphasizing facilitative techniques, active listening, and narrative framing.”
Quoting American philosopher Lon Fuller, Parra-Herrera explains that mediation works “to reorient the parties toward each other,” fostering a dialogue that can transform conflicts and relationships.
“Negotiation and mediation offer a lens through which to understand human behavior, collaboration, conflict, power dynamics, resource allocation, and democratic practices at a micro level,” he says. “I am passionate about teaching negotiation and mediation not only as practical skill sets but also as fundamental ways of perceiving and experiencing interactions—with others and with ourselves—as we deal with conflict productively.”
Reflecting on his career, Parra-Herrera is most proud of receiving the Dean’s Award for Student Teaching at the Harvard Kennedy School, which reflects his effort in and passion for teaching. He is also proud of winning the Roger Fisher and Frank Sander Prize at Harvard Law School for the best dispute resolution paper.
“These achievements are ultimately expressions of what I value most: sharing my ideas with others through teaching and writing. I have always appreciated Emerson’s words on this: ‘What is success? To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children,'” he says. “One possible translation of this in my life is to earn the respect of my colleagues, students, and interesting, curious, and intelligent people while cherishing the love and affection of my son, wife, family, and friends.”
Parra-Herrera is looking forward to teaching negotiation and mediation this fall and getting to know his students and colleagues. He enjoys running and has registered for the Provo Canyon Half Marathon in August.
“I am a huge film fan and used to co-host a podcast on law and film with another professor. Additionally, I enjoy going to jazz concerts—fortunately, I can listen to jazz while spending time with my son. Going to basketball games, running together, or watching classical films are all things I look forward to sharing with him,” he says. “One of the great things about moving to a new city is that your interests and hobbies evolve in unexpected ways. I am sure I will find hiking, skiing, and other local activities just as rewarding as those I’ve enjoyed before.”