Partnership aims to transform access to family law dispute resolution for underserved communities
The American Arbitration Association and Suffolk University Law School are launching a pioneering Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Innovation Clinic. This initiative combines Suffolk Law’s expertise in legal technology and clinical education with the AAA’s leadership in alternative dispute resolution innovation, technology, and artificial intelligence —including through its newly acquired ODR business, ODR.com. Suffolk Law and the AAA will create an accessible, digital process for low-contest divorces and family law matters in Massachusetts.
Addressing a Critical Need
The ODR Innovation Clinic targets a pressing issue in the legal system: the growing number of unrepresented litigants in family law cases. These individuals, often from low- and moderate income backgrounds, struggle to navigate complex court procedures, which often leads to rejected court filings, personal stress, case backlogs, and strain on court resources.
“The ODR Innovation Clinic represents a significant step in making online dispute resolution more accessible and effective,” said Eric Tuchmann, the AAA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. “It will be an important part of our new AAA-ICDR Institute, which will advance ADR through thought leadership, research, and data-driven analysis. This partnership highlights the AAA’s commitment to developing innovative solutions to streamline arbitration and mediation processes, benefiting the public and overburdened courts.”
Innovative Approach to Family Law
The clinic plans to develop and deploy a suite of user-friendly digital tools, including:
- An intuitive ODR platform for divorces and related matters
- Interactive guided interviews and “smart” court forms
- A virtual mediation component
- AI-powered guidance for the public
“Our partnership with the AAA exemplifies Suffolk Law’s commitment to innovation in legal education and access to justice,” said Andrew Perlman, Dean of Suffolk Law. “This clinic will not only serve our community but also prepare our students to be forward-thinking legal professionals who can harness technology to solve real-world problems.”
Community-Driven Design
Central to the clinic’s approach is its emphasis on community input. The project will engage court system users, legal services providers, courts, and ADR experts to ensure that the developed tools meet community needs and integrate seamlessly with existing Massachusetts court processes.
“By involving the community from the outset, we’re ensuring that our solutions are not just technologically advanced, but also practical and user-friendly for those who need them most,” added Dean Perlman.
Looking Ahead
The ODR Innovation Clinic is set to run for three years, with plans to beta test and launch the new platform in Massachusetts. The framework developed has the potential for replication in other jurisdictions and could be adapted for legal issues beyond family law.
Learn more: https://www.suffolk.edu/news-features/news/2024/07/18/22/06/aaa-suffolk-law-online-dispute-resolution-clinic
