The Dispute Resolution Society is an organization which aims to advance students’ ability to negotiate, arbitrate, and mediate through seminars and competition.
IMPORTANT DATES:
January 30: 1L Information Session - 1:00-2:00 (Room 238)
February 19-21: 1L Training Sessions - 5:00-7:00 (Room 227; 205; 230)
February 25: Opening Sign up Sheets & Releasing General Facts
March 4: Closing Sign up Sheets
March 5: Releasing Confidential Facts
March 14-16: Spring Competition (Room TBA)
April 5: Spring Competition Finals (Room TBA)
Executive Board:
President: Andrew Eiger
VP Marketing: Megan McLeod
VP Internal Comp.: John Gionis
VP External Comp.: Ryan Mainhardt
Faculty Advisor: Prof. Boyarin
Why the DRS?
The great majority of cases never see the inside of a courtroom. Parties prefer to settle because: (1) there are potentially high legal fees associated with litigation, (2) parties do not want to subject themselves to unpleasant court proceedings, risking aggravated damages, and (3) most settled disputes are kept private, while court proceedings may appear in the newspaper.
Hofstra has several Moot Court teams and a Mock Trial team, but it does not have an organization that teaches or advances students’ ability to negotiate, mediate, or arbitrate. With the DRS, students can learn essential skills that will most certainly be utilized when they enter the workforce.
What fill be the functions of the Hofstra University School of Law DRS?
Many ABA accredited law schools across the country have dispute resolution societies. The societies participate in local, state, national, and international competitions, where students compete in negotiations, mediations, and arbitrations. Furthermore, most DRS’s hold intra-law school competitions, creating tremendous hands on learning experiences for all students who would like to participate.
Hofstra University School of Law, its students, and the DRS
Because the DRS has little to do with court proceedings, it allows law students to work actively with the opposing party to come to an equitable solution. It drives students to use their ingenuity to resolve problems in unique, creative and original fashion. Hofstra’s own DRS would not only teach students critical lawyering skills, but it will also enhance the value of their legal education.
