To help law schools prepare students for the future and to improve the services we provide to law schools and law students, the Section of Dispute Resolution of the American Bar Association supports law school focused initiatives. These projects form the cornerstone of our efforts to develop within every law school graduate a commitment to solving problems, instead of engaging in unreflective and excessive litigation.

These projects include: the Law Student National Representation in Mediation Competition, the James Boskey ADR Writing Competition, Student Chapters of the Section of Dispute Resolution, the Directory of Law School DR Courses and Programs, and the Legal Educators Colloquium.

• One of the Section's most exciting projects is the annual Law Student National Representation in Mediation Competition. The project began in the spring of 1998, and each year involves law schools from across the nation competing on a regional and national basis. Law students are judged on how well they model appropriate preparation for and representation of a client in mediation.



• The Voice of Experience: Seasoned practitioners share their insight and advice with beginning practitioners in this monthly Just Resolution's column.



• The Section of Dispute Resolution is pleased to undertake its annual James B. Boskey Law Student Essay Contest on Dispute Resolution. The competition is open to all second, third or fourth year (part time) law students enrolled in ABA approved law schools as well as masters and doctoral candidates. The winning entry will receive a $1000 award.



• A great way to jump start law student activities in dispute resolution is through the establishment on your campus of a Chapter of the Section of Dispute Resolution. The purpose of the law student chapters is to increase knowledge of and participation in dispute resolution among law students and faculty on the local, state and national levels. Law Student participants organize a series of public service and instructional activities that enrich them, the law school and the community in which they reside.



• The Section publishes a Directory of Law School ADR Courses and Programs, which lists courses, programs and clinics at 184 ABA approved law schools. The updated 2003 Directory is available online at the University of Oregon School of Law web site.



• Take advantage of Law Student Intern Opportunities at the Section of Dispute Resolution Office. You can focus on ADR research into emerging critical issues under the supervision of an attorney, conduct needs assessment and systems design for dispute resolution in specific practice areas or institutions, make site visits such as Multi-Door Program, and gain practical experience in the heart of Washington, D.C. Contact the Section office for more information.

 
Clilck here to find more resources for Law Students on the ABA Law Student Division website