The Chrnonicle of Higher Education ran an article by this title today.  In it, they talk about the trend in some law schools toward having specializations within the JD program and with joint-degree programs. Predictably, some think it’s a great idea (showing off the strengths of the school, tailoring to the needs of the students, … Continue reading Law Schools Customize Degrees to Students’ Taste… →

I just finished grading my Civil Procedure exams for this semester.  I was sorely tempted to give my students the facts of Mutual of Enumclaw v. Cornhusker Casualty Insurance Co, 2008 WL 4330313 (E.D.Wash. 2008) as the basis for my exam.  The question demanded an understanding that was just a little too much for me … Continue reading The Erie Doctrine Meets the Uniform Mediation Act →

American Caribbean Law Initiative (ACLI) Conference Call for Papers – Dispute resolution and restorative justice Port of Spain, Trinidad Tobago July 10-12, 2009 Deadline for Panel Proposals:  February 1, 2009 Deadline for Paper Abstracts:  February 15, 2009   The American Caribbean Law Initiative (ACLI) is requesting paper abstracts and panel proposals for its Summer 2009 … Continue reading Call for Papers in Dispute Resolution–Somewhere Warm Too! →

Berkeley researchers have found new tests that can better predict success in the practice of law than the LSAT.  Not suprisingly to those of us in the dispute resolution field, the skills missed by the LSAT but needed for successful practice include creativity, negotiation, and problem-solving.  Berkeley law professor Marjorie Shultz and Berkeley psychology professor Sheldon … Continue reading Negotiation Skills on the LSAT? →

Once again, Marquette is hosting a yummy party at the AALS meeting.  The invitation and RSVP link is below.  Looking forward to seeing you there!     You are invited to a reception with Marquette law faculty attending the AALS Meeting in San Diego.January 9, 2009 9:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. San Diego Marriott Hotel … Continue reading Marquette Margarita Party →

The news came down a few days ago that Princeton has settled the long-standing litigation involving the Robertson Foundation and the funds used to support the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. The press release describing the settlement should be standard fare for any ADR professor who aims to help students to understand … Continue reading Princeton can do Decision Analysis →

Perhaps the most amazing development in US history occurred when George Washington refused to become king, and peacefully handed over power to John Adams.  The concept that power will be voluntarily (or at least peacefully) handed over to someone who believes in completely different values and ideals than the current political leader is still so … Continue reading Go Vote–It’s a Wonderful Dispute Resolution Process →

A federal district court in the Northern District of Illinois recently refused to compel arbitration of a consumer’s complaint brought in relation to the purchase of an iPhone. The case is shocking for at least two reasons.  It is shocking because the lead attorney for AT&T engaged in shameful, clearly sanctionable behavior during the course … Continue reading iArbitration, iUnconscionability, and the iPhone →

At the Works-in-Progress conference this past week at Arizona State University (great job Art!), I had the pleasure of hearing from Professor Scott Hughes on his latest work on mirror neurons.  I have blogged about mirror neurons before and the impact on people.  It explains things from why Harley rides are pleasurable to why Starbucks runs smoothly.  Scott … Continue reading Mirror Neurons & Mediation Advice →