Lodestar Dispute Resolution Center

Student opportunities

The Lodestar Center’s primary focus is to educate as many students as possible in dispute resolution theory, skills, and practice. Besides the courses listed below, students have access to externships at the Maricopa County Superior Court’s ADR Office, the Phoenix City Prosecutor’s Restorative Justice Project, and the Aurit Mediation Center. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of these additional programs and opportunities:

Lodestar Mediation Clinic

The Lodestar Mediation Clinic teaches students about alternatives to litigation while providing hands-on experience with the mediation process. Students begin the class with an intensive training program focusing on the theory, strategy, and skills involved in the mediation of legal disputes to provide the grounding to act as mediators for Justice Court litigants in an attempt to resolve civil cases before trial. Additionally, students co-mediate with professional mediators at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and shadow judges in judicial settlement conferences.

The Patel - Dauber Excellence in Negotiation Prize

This award, made possible by the generosity of alum Nick M. Patel (’92), honors ASU law students who have demonstrated excellence in negotiation during their time at the law school. The award commemorates Patel’s belief that negotiation is a critical skill for students to learn and Emeritus Professor Bob Dauber’s role in shaping Patel’s success as a negotiator.

International Conflict Resolution Study Abroad

This program gives Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law students the opportunity to study firsthand conflict resolution theory and practice as applied to cross-border and international disputes. Students will visit historic and contested sites with cultural, political, and religious significance, meet high-level officials involved in conflict resolution efforts, and speak with individuals directly impacted by international conflict. This annual program will rotate among several international locations.

Moot Court Competition Teams

Students can receive invaluable training by participating on teams for two high-profile competitions – the ABA Representation in Mediation Competition and the William C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (Vis Moot). Students in the Representation in Mediation Competition work through the mediation process to further their client’s interests. Our Vis Moot teams represent business organizations through the international commercial arbitration process engaging in both written and oral advocacy have regularly competed in San Diego, Vienna, and Hong Kong and are routinely recognized for their brief writing and advocacy skills. Be on the lookout for information announcing these competitions.