Read more about the WIP CONFERENCE
14th Annual AALS Adr Works-in-Progress Conference From October 7 to 9, 2021, the Straus Institute hosted the 14th annual American Association of Law Schools (AALS) Section on Dispute Resolution’s Works-in-Progress Conference in a hybrid format, welcoming scholars on campus in Malibu while simultaneously engaging an online audience. The Works-in-Progress Conference convenes scholars and researchers at all levels within the ADR field and cultivates a welcoming atmosphere in which participants can share their work, exchange ideas, and give or receive feedback with colleagues in attendance. The conference was last hosted in person in 2019 by the Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the annual event has been held at various law schools since 2007. This year’s conference featured 19 fascinating presentations, with more than 60 faculty members in attendance. The event kicked off with a faculty dinner on Thursday, October 7, which provided a great chance for dispute resolution faculty to meet and reconnect with one another prior to the conference. On Friday, October 8, the conference began with remarks from dean Paul Caron, who welcomed scholars from across the country. Professor Sukhsimranjit Singh invited Elayne
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Greenberg, chair regent of the AALS Section on Dispute Resolution, to present the Section’s 2019 Best Article Award to professor Michael Moffitt of the University of Oregon Law School, for his article “Settlement Malpractice.” Moffitt then shared his article and discussed it with attendees. Straus Institute faculty, professors Singh, Tom Stipanowich, Maureen Weston, and Stephanie Blondell facilitated the presentations, which spanned topics across the ADR spectrum. The in-person guests enjoyed lunch and breaks on the back patio, and the day ended with a memorable reception and dinner at professor Singh’s home. Professors Jack Coe and Michael Helfand joined the evening events and connected with the in-person faculty attendees. The presentations continued into Saturday morning and the event officially concluded with a closing luncheon.
“We are grateful to the AALS Section on Dispute Resolution for giving us the opportunity to host this event,” stated Singh, who worked closely with Aparna Gupta, director of external relations at the institute, to design and execute this conference.
