Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Commons^™

Mosten And Scully’S New Book On Unbundled Legal Services, John M. Lande

Faculty Blogs

This post discusses Forrest (Woody) Mosten and Elizabeth Potter Scully’s book, Unbundled Legal Services: A Family Lawyer’s Guide. Unbundling involves providing specified services to legal clients rather than “full service” representation. Unbundling is particularly helpful in family matters because parties generally understand the issues and may represent themselves well if they have some legal help. Many family courts are overwhelmed with large numbers of cases involving self-represented litigants, so providing unbundled legal services can make a significant contribution to the legal system. In virtually all types of cases, some people have the interests in unbundling, not just family matters.

Takeaways From New Hampshire Mediation Training, John M. Lande

Faculty Blogs

This post highlights some key findings from survey data and focus-group-like comments from court mediation training for the training participants as well as readers of this blog.

Stone Soup: Learning How People Actually Prepare For Negotiation And Mediation, John Lande

Faculty Blogs

This post suggests questions in Stone Soup interviews that students can ask lawyers and mediators about how they prepare for negotiation and mediation.

Letter To Kelly, John Lande

Faculty Blogs

This is a letter I wrote to someone who was about to start law school. I advised keeping focused on their goals and how best to achieve them. I cautioned about portrayals of lawyers on TV and in the movies. I warned about the “hidden curriculum” which creates misimpressions by focusing on appellate cases. I encouraged them to remember what it is like to be a “normal” person, a perspective they may forget after being initiated in the legal tribe. I advised trying to see the world through others’ eyes.

Court-Connected Alternative Dispute Resolution In Maine, Howard H. Dana Jr.

Maine Law Review

With these words of prophecy the Commission to Study the Future of Maine's Courts launched its discussion of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Although conceding that “the adversary process ... has served the people of the state well” and acknowledging that “the state must continue to provide a forum for forceful advocacy that produces a definite and binding judicial decision” the Commission asked the Maine judicial and legislative branches to embrace ADR. For the last dozen years, the Author has been the Supreme Judicial Court's (SJC's) liaison to its ADR Planning and Implementation Committee and Chair of the Court's Advisory Committee …

Lessons From The Aba’S Excellent Report On Mediator Techniques, John M. Lande

Faculty Blogs

This post highlights findings from the report of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Task Force on Research on Mediator Techniques. The report identified 47 studies from the past four decades that analyzed effects of particular mediator actions on certain mediation outcomes. The Task Force found that none of the categories of mediator actions has clear, uniform effects across the studies. In general, the studies found that some generally uncontroversial actions – such as eliciting suggestions, focusing on emotions and relationships, building trust, expressing empathy, praising disputants, and setting agendas – may or may not produce positive effects. It found …

Transforming News: How Mediation Principles Can Depolarize Public Talk, Carol Pauli

Carol Pauli

News media interviews bring opposing voices into the public forum where, ideally, audience members can deliberate and reach democratic compromise. But in today's politically polarized atmosphere, partisans increasingly accuse each other of being a threat to the country, and prospects for compromise have suffered. Journalists have been urged to take a more affirmative role, promoting problem solving and opposing conflict. They have stopped short, citing professional norms that demand a stance of neutral detachment. This article turns to the principles of transformative mediation. Like journalism, it is detached from any goal of settlement. It aims instead at increasing the capacity …

A Realist Systematic Review Of Cross-Sector Collaboration Implementation In Developing Countries & Mediation As A Useful Instrument, Jessica Kritz

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

This review will provide a realistic systematic review to synthesize evidence on successful cross-sector collaboration implementation in developing (low and middle income) countries. More specifically, this review will explicitly consider interactions between strategy, context, and mechanisms to provide an indication as to how cross-sector collaboration governance helps some cross-sector collaboration succeed, grow, and become sustainable. This paper will also present mediation as potentially a useful mechanism to implement cross-sector collaboration implementation in developing countries.

Mediating Towards Forgiveness & Family Reconciliation In Divorce; Select Issues In Dispute Resolution: Apology & Forgiveness, Selina J. Shultz

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

This paper examines the importance of forgiveness and the rebuilding of trust in the reconciliation of the family during and after a divorce, and contemplates the mediator’s role in leading the parties in this direction.

Utility Function And Rational Choice As Support Mechanisms To Maximize Mediation And Legal Negotiation Settlement Output, Roberto Kuster

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

This article provides a general negotiation background, establishing some basic definitions such as BATNA, interests, and “Shadow of Law.” Then, it works with the two-step process of utility maximization and rational choice to achieve the optimal settlement output within mediation and legal negotiation processes. Lastly, it points out methods to support the theories in ways that a lawyer could understand and apply correctly. Thus, the article offers an idea for an optimal settlement in a legal negotiation/mediation. It takes the complementary views of recognized authors, from Fisher and Ury’s "how to negotiate" manual, Raiffa's lucid explanation of applied game theory, …

Investor-State Dispute Settlement Reconceptionalized: Regulation Of Disputes, Standards And Mediation, M. R. Dahlan, Wolf Von Kumberg

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

This paper argues that the current criticisms of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) are ill-informed, and attempts at reforming the system are misguided. The definition of ISDS itself has been, for a long time, limited to investment quasi-judicial bodies or at best arbitration. Analysis of the roots of the ever growing backlash reveals that the main causes for concern are politically negotiated investment treaties, an inherently biased system, lack of transparency, and inconsistent decision-making. Examination of the core reasons behind these complaints leads to the conclusion that the EU Commission’s solution to reform ISDS through a permanent court raises more issues …

A Divided Nation: Political Polarization And Dispute Resolution, Lindsey Phipps

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

This article will discuss the causes and consequences of party polarization and propose that the legislative body work more collaboratively and cooperatively through direct implementation of alternative dispute resolution techniques such as negotiation and mediation in the legislative process. Part I will define political polarization, what it looks like today, its causes and its consequences. Part II will propose and explain the use of dispute resolution techniques and tactics, such as, negotiation, mediation and alternative dispute resolution to mitigate the effects of political polarization. Part III will conclude that dispute resolution techniques and tactics will mitigate the inadequacies created by …

Mediator Or Judge?: California’S Mandatory Mediation Statute In Child Custody Disputes, Sofya Perelshteyn

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

This article will argue that mandatory mediation offers important benefits, including lightening the overloaded court system and capitalizing on the flexibility and personalization of mediation in certain kinds of disputes. This article will also discuss how allowing the mediator to provide recommendations to the judge after unsuccessful negotiations can shatter the basic tenets of mediation and create an altogether different process for the dispute. Furthermore, it will argue that California’s mandatory mediation statute creates a system more akin to litigation, since the parties are presenting their case to a mediator who wears the hat of both mediator and judge. In …

The Multi-Purpose Attorney: The Interpreting Attorney-Mediator, Catherine Gramajo

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

The attorney-mediator may be a beneficial hybrid, but what happens when another layer is added to the attorney's functions? Specifically, what happens when the attorney takes on the role of both mediator and interpreter? Part I will provide a brief overview of the increasing role of attorneys as mediators, as well as an overview of the guidelines for mediators and interpreters. Part II examines the importance of language and culture in mediation, particularly focusing on the vital function of the interpreter in the United States. Given the variety of languages spoken in the United States, interpreters are becoming an essential …

A Business Alternative: Changing Employers' Perception Of The Eeoc Mediation Program, Mark Lim

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

This paper will reveal employers' perception of the EEOC Mediation Program and offer viable changes that may encourage more employer participation in the mediation program. Although the mediation program is supposed to be fair and neutral, the possibility of favoritism, bias, prejudice, or the perception thereof remains high because of the mediation program's structure. If the EEOC were to make changes to its program that also creates a perception of impartiality, then employers would be more willing to participate. To demonstrate this, Part II of this article will begin by discussing the history of the EEOC from its initiating mandate …

Culture And Its Importance In Mediation, Joel Lee

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

This article seeks to take the reader on this "meta-journey." It will first explore definitions and frameworks about culture before looking at how culture is important in mediation. Specific attention will be placed on the context of Singapore, and we will look at Singapore's journey to dealing with the intersection between culture and mediation. This article will then look at formulating a working model to traverse the intersections between status and belonging on one hand, and modes of communication and face concerns on the other.

Rationality Revisited: A Response To Professor Greenberg, S.I. Strong

Washington and Lee Law Review Online

Scholarly debate is meant to improve the legal community’s understanding of both the value and the limitations of a particular strand of research. While it is useful to identify areas of principled disagreement, there are times when criticism is not based on different interpretations of law or theory but instead on a misapprehension of the underlying facts or the context in which the initial analysis is placed. In those types of situations, it is necessary for the original author to provide a formal response to keep errors from entering into the legal literature.

This Article provides just such a response …

Use Of Mediation To Recover Rights To Our Genes, Rachel Albert

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

No abstract provided.

The Medicare Appeals Crisis: Why Mediation Is The Medicine, Michelle Ellis

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

This article will explore how unmeritorious RAC-reversals recently polluted the Medicare appeals process, and how this has led to a crisis for both providers and the United States Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Furthermore, this article will consider the lack of available remedies and narrow measures taken by HHS, and will instead advocate for mediation as the best means of easing the backlog. While the delays also directly affect Medicare beneficiaries, this article will limit its discussion to the backlog in relation to providers and suppliers.

A Soft Solution For A Hard Problem: Using Alternative Dispute Resolution In Post-Conflict Societies, James D. Mcginley

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Kiser’S Soft Skills For The Effective Lawyer, John Lande

Faculty Blogs

This post describes Randall Kiser’s book, Soft Skills for the Effective Lawyer. He defines soft skills as including “intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies such as practical problem solving, stress management, self-confidence, initiative, optimism, interpersonal communication, the ability to convey empathy to another, the ability to see a situation from another’s perspective, teamwork, collaboration, client relations, business development, and the like.” He presents research showing that legal clients especially value these skills in lawyers.

Published Versions Of Tower Of Babel Symposium Articles, John M. Lande

Faculty Blogs

This post provides links to the articles in the Tower of Babel Symposium.

Dealing With Causes As Well As Symptoms Of Law Students’ And Lawyers’ Lack Of Well-Being, John Lande

Faculty Blogs

This post discusses the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being’s report, The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change. The report recommends that faculty “assess law school practices and offer faculty education on promoting well-being in the classroom.” It cites research suggesting that “potential culprits that undercut student well-being includ[e] hierarchical markers of worth such as comparative grading, mandatory curves, status-seeking placement practices, lack of clear and timely feedback, and teaching practices that are isolating and intimidating.” This post notes that legal practice is inherently stressful and recommends changing legal practice culture. Individual practitioners may reduce their …

Message For Students Interested In Adr, John Lande

Faculty Blogs

This post provides suggestions for things that law students interested in ADR might read and do.

The Psychology Of Conflict: Mediating In A Diverse World, Samantha Skabelund

Arbitration Law Review

No abstract provided.

Newsroom: Rwu Law Welcomes New Director Of Business Law Programs And The Corporate Counsel Externship Program July 19, 2017, Roger Williams University School Of Law

Life of the Law School (1993- )

New

Realizing The Gap Between Rationality And Information, Elayne E. Greenberg

Washington and Lee Law Review Online

The Online Journal requested that I evaluate Professor Strong’s empirical research, “Realizing Rationality: An Empirical Assessment of International Commercial Mediation,” reported in 23 Wash. & Lee. L. Rev. 1973 (2016). The purpose of Professor Strong’s research is to help “fill the informational gap” about international commercial mediation for the United Nations Commission on International Trade (hereinafter UNICITRAL) Working Group II (Arbitration and Conciliation) so that the Working Group could better assess whether, in fact, there is a need for a new UNCITRAL instrument to enforce global commercial mediation agreements. Professor Strong’s research offers insightful nuggets about international commercial mediation that …

What Theory Do Practitioners Want?, John M. Lande

Faculty Blogs

There isn’t a single negotiation theory – it comes from many different sources. For example, one person said that labeling using conceptual frameworks, such as Roger Fisher’s and Daniel Shapiro’s five core concerns, can be useful in understanding and dealing with emotions. Others pointed to the value of procedural justice, human needs, and social value theories. Social value theory involves people’s orientations about resource allocation.

Achieving Justice Through Adr: An Analysis Of The Korean Mediation System, Yonghwan Choung

Maurer Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to reconsider Korean judicial mediation as a part of alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) and to discuss the possible legal transition of Korean judicial mediation into private sector mediation.

Similar to other states’ judicial problems, Korea has also faced overloaded case dockets, congestion of the civil process, an expensive legal process, and emotional stress on parties during the procedures. The Korean judicial authority continuously developed the Korean mediation programs, which can be categorized as court-related mediation, including court-annexed and court-connected mediations. Based on enactment of the Judicial Conciliation of Civil Disputes Act of 1990 (“JCCDA”) …

Managing The Inter-Cultural Dimensions Of A Mediation Effectively: A Proposed Pre-Mediation Intake Instrument, Dorcas Quek Anderson, Diana Knight

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

Being a culturally responsive mediator has become increasingly challenging amidst the growing cultural complexity within many societies. Drawing on the existing research on culture and the authors’ experiences of mediating disputes amongst diverse disputants in Australia and Singapore, this paper proposes an emic-constructivist approach for the mediator to understand the individual disputant’s unique cultural preferences. It also recommends bringing forward the exercise of understanding cultural preferences through conducting pre-mediation intake interviews. It is argued that this approach enables the mediator to embrace the parties’ cultural complexity and to design the mediation process based on their rich milieu of preferences. Finally, …