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.

Upcoming Study Abroad:
Fall 2021 - Israel / Palestine
Trip: December 12-21, 2021

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.

Dispute Resolution Student Association (DRSA)

Students interested in informal or alternative dispute resolution are encouraged to join the DRSA. Get access to distinguished dispute resolution professionals through regular speaking and networking events, and get to know your peers who share an interest in negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and other informal resolution methods.

Schiefelbein Global Dispute Resolution Scholarship

This annual scholarship recognizes demonstrated excellence in and engagement with international dispute resolution and ASU Law's Alternative Dispute Resolution program. A generous endowment from Les and Linda Schiefelbein makes this scholarship possible. Les Schiefelbein is an ASU Law alum ('72) and internationally recognized arbitrator with over 40 years of experience in complex commercial and government disputes. Click here to apply

MLS Conflict Resolution

Conflict is everywhere. The best leaders know how to manage and resolve conflicts before they become major distractions or create negative consequences. Having the right perspective, along with effective problem-solving skills, will make you an indispensable leader with your company and community.

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University's Master of Legal Studies with an emphasis in Conflict Resolution is designed to provide professionals the skills and knowledge to effectively navigate conflict in various circumstances and environments.

Taught by experienced faculty and professionals, this program will provide you with a background in legal principles and analysis to lay the foundation for practical problem-solving strategies and conflict resolution techniques.

Visit the Conflict Resolution emphasis page