This past October 13, we welcomed Michael McDowell, an accomplished arbitrator and mediator from the Pittsburgh area, to talk to us about the rising need for alternative dispute resolution in the legal profession. Mr. McDowell discussed the value of conducting mediation or arbitration in not only small claims cases but complex litigation cases as well. He also highlighted the importance of mediation to a wide variety of legal practitioners, noting that many state court systems are requiring litigants to engage in some form of ADR prior to trial.
“West Virginia law students have excellent additional opportunities for ADR training through the West Virginia Bar, and can gain mediation training and experience through the Magistrate Court Mediation Program, which provides opportunities for students to mediate actual disputes in Magistrate Court” said Mr. McDowell. “ WVU law students who take advantage of these opportunities can develop a solid background in ADR by the time they graduate, giving them a leg up on students from many other universities where these opportunities are not available.”
Mr. McDowell's talk was very interesting, and very practical. Everyone who attended walked away with a smile and some new information. He also gave us his top three suggestions for ADR related books (look for those links on the site soon :))! Not only are we lucky to have such a supportive college and State Bar, but we are also VERY lucky to be in such close proximity to such a wonderful resource and mentor as Mr. McDowell. We appreciate him taking the time to come down to WVU and talk to us, and look forward to hearing from him again!
No comments:
Post a Comment