Now, more than ever, the need for effective dispute-resolution skills is critical—whether within the legal profession, in our divided communities, or among nations. For years, the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law has been a global leader in advancing the practice and education of dispute resolution, pioneering innovative programs and partnerships both locally and internationally. This past year, we continued that legacy by launching several groundbreaking courses in dispute resolution and successfully delivering a degree program tailored specifically for the Ugandan judiciary.
We take great pride in the Straus Institute’s alignment with Pepperdine University’s mission to empower students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership—preparing them to become the peacemakers of tomorrow.
Paul Caron
Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
Inside straus 2025
Inside Straus is the annual publication of the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. The institute also publishes the blog Inside Straus and an e-newsletter, Common Ground, for its audience of students, alumni, faculty, and friends.
This photo is an aerial drone photo of Pepperdine's Malibu campus.
Sharing Lincoln's Lessons
"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds."
Abraham Lincoln’s poignant plea, spoken to a divided nation after four years of bloodshed, remains as profound and challenging today as it did in the closing days of our Civil War. At Pepperdine’s Straus Institute, Lincoln’s voice remains as strong and significant as ever.
Our program evokes Lincoln’s lessons in everything we do. Years before he became the Great Emancipator, Lincoln told fellow attorneys to “discourage litigation” and focus on collaborative ways of resolving conflict. Our new course, Lincoln, Lawyering, and Leadership, explores his life and career through a new lens. Lincoln faced all kinds of conflict as a lawyer, politician, and commander in chief, and in his personal life, and employed the full spectrum of approaches to conflict. As president, Lincoln successfully conducted a complex, high-stakes “meganegotiation,” bringing to the table a variety of tools and sources of power and leverage. And he evolved and grew as a human being capable of setting aside his own ego in order to accomplish greater aims on behalf of his country.
As you’ll see in these pages, the Straus Institute remains true to its mission to provide critical tools and insights for tomorrow’s lawyers, leaders, and peacemakers—including, perhaps, another Lincoln!
Tom Stipanowich holds the William Webster Chair in Dispute Resolution as a professor of law at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.
His article on Lincoln’s vision of reconciliation may be downloaded on the SSRN website.
Illustration by Tom Stipanowich
Faculty Scholarship and Presentations
MAUREEN WESTON
Professor Maureen Weston presented "Dispute Resolution in Sports: US Sports Legal Developments" at the LawInSport Global Summit 2024 held in London, England. She moderated and presented on a panel that explored developments in US collegiate and professional sports alongside key legal cases challenging sports rules, practices, and decisions under European Union law and the European Convention on Human Rights. With her expertise in sports law, Weston was appointed to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) arbitrator roster. The arbitrators heard participation and compliance disputes arising under the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act and USOPC bylaws, policies, and procedures. She also delivered the annual Chris Beecroft Jr. Memorial Lecture at the University of Nevada Las Vegas Boyd School of Law Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution, exploring dispute resolution in Olympic sports. Weston's book, Understanding Alternative Dispute Resolution, Second Edition, has been published by Carolina Academic Press. The treatise, coauthored with Kristen M. Blankely, is a comprehensive overview of the ADR field.
JACK J. COE, JR.
Professor Jack J. Coe, Jr., was invited as a distinguished academic to deliver a special course at The Hague Academy of International Law, a center for high-level education in both public and private international law housed in the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands. The Peace Palace is also the seat of the International Court of Justice. Coe taught a week-long course on arbitration as part of the academy's summer courses. During the several months of preparation for the academy visit, Coe was assisted by Izabela Moriggi Costa, (LLM ’24), who attended the academy lectures. Costa described her experience at The Hague Academy as truly rewarding. "Being part of this program was only possible thanks to the preparation I gained during my studies at the Straus Institute and through Professor Coe's guidance," Costa reflected.
TREY CHILDRESS
In January professor Donald Earl (Trey) Childress' article, "Prescriptive Comity: From Standards to Rules," was published in the University of Pittsburgh Law Review. The article considers the continuing debate in private international law regarding the ways in which US courts should evaluate questions of conflict between US and foreign law. Childress has been appointed as an adviser to the American Law Institute's Restatement of the Law Fourth, The Foreign Relations Law of the United States. The restatement addresses selected topics on treaties, jurisdiction, and sovereign immunity. Participating advisers have the opportunity to influence the development of the law and to work with other eminent lawyers, judges, and academics.
TREY CHILDRESS AND JACK COE
"Compliance in the Shadow of the Award," by professors Childress and Coe will be published in the Yale Journal of International Law. The article, cowritten with Catherine A. Rogers and Christopher R. Drahozal, makes three important contributions to the literature regarding award compliance in international arbitrations: one empirical, one conceptual, and one prescriptive. Empirically, the text develops a new methodology and uses an original dataset to test the 90 percent voluntary compliance rate. Based on direct sources (awards and court cases), it calculates a maximum voluntary compliance rate of 74.2 percent—which is a substantial degree of voluntary compliance, but also substantially below the 90 percent often cited in the literature.
STEPHANIE BLONDELL
Professor Stephanie Blondell delivered the keynote address at the opening plenary session of the International Academy of Mediators Conference in May in Seattle, Washington. Blondell spoke on "Client-Centric Mediation: New Challenges, Perspectives, and Strategies." Blondell also presented "Mistakes Mediators Make" for the State Bar of Michigan Alternative Dispute Resolution Section's 2024 ADR Annual Conference, "When Good Mediators Make Bad Decisions: A Look at Ethical Fading in Mediation" at the Idaho Mediation Association, and "Re-teaching Interest Identification" for the Tennessee Association of Professional Mediators, presenting a taxonomy of interest identification for the litigated case. At the American Bar Association's Section of Dispute Resolution 2024 Spring Conference, Blondell offered attendees a "Mediator Proposal Bootcamp" with mediators Mark A. Lemke and Alexander Williams III.
SUKHSIMRANJIT SINGH
In October, Sukhsimranjit Singh received the Cloke-Millen Peacemaker Award from the Southern California Mediation Association (SCMA). Honored at the SCMA Annual Fall Conference, Singh was recognized for his dedication to peacemaking and his influence in the field of alternative dispute resolution.
Singh also gave the commencement address, "The Role of Culture in International ADR" at the 2024 Master of Dispute Resolution graduation ceremony of the Ugandan judiciary in Kampala, Uganda. The graduates included Supreme Court justices and representatives of the legal profession at the highest levels, including the minister of justice for the Republic of Uganda. The ceremony was the first international graduation for Pepperdine University and for Pepperdine Caruso Law as the students each received a master of dispute resolution from the Straus Institute.
HELEN WINTER
Professor Helen Winter presented "Follow the Science: Proven Strategies to Reduce Unconscious Bias" for the Southern California Mediation Association at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in October. In her workshop, Winter offered a navigational "user's guide" through peer-reviewed social psychology research on strategies for bias reduction based on her and David Hoffman's 2022 article on unconscious bias published in the Harvard Negotiation Law Review. On October 18, Winter presented her forthcoming commentary, "Meaningful Work in Peril? Preserving SelfEfficacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," at the 17th Annual Alternative Dispute Resolution Works-In-Progress Conference at McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, arguing the need for ADR professionals to actively address AI-related challenges to self-efficacy. Winter has been appointed as a board member for a €1 million EU-funded project at The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS). The initiative, Relational Peer Mediation Training to Foster Affective Learning at THUAS Through the Pedagogy of Discomfort, leverages her psychosocial peer-mediation model to train 500 students and 200 faculty members as peer mediators. She also recently earned her PhD from the European University Viadrina. Her empirical dissertation focused on peer mediation in refugee shelters, using Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory methodology.
straus.pepperdine.edu
Faculty Spotlight
TOM STIPANOWICH
The Straus Institute is excited to announce that professor of law, William H. Webster Chair in Dispute Resolution, and associate dean of the Straus Institute Thomas J. Stipanowich was inducted into the California Dispute Resolution Hall of Fame in September. This prestigious recognition, conferred at the California Lawyers Association Conference, honors Stipanowich's significant contributions to the field of dispute resolution.
Stipanowich is developing a book and a series of articles that delve into the fascinating world of Abraham Lincoln's approach to conflict management.
Adjunct Faculty Spotlight
SHAPHAN ROBERTS
"Rebuilding Trust in a Divided Community: An Integrated Approach," 24 Pepp. Dispute Resol. L. J. 461 (2024), by Straus Institute adjunct professor and senior director of strategic outreach Shaphan Roberts, examines the pressing challenges urban centers face today, such as escalating crime rates, homelessness, and economic difficulties. Roberts underscores the necessity for a collaborative strategy that involves community members, businesses, and law enforcement, to devise comprehensive solutions. Emphasizing community engagement and trust building, the article highlights successful case studies from cities like Medellín, Detroit, Copenhagen, and Singapore, illustrating how teamwork and innovative strategies can transform urban environments.
This endeavor promises to bring fresh insights to both historical scholarship and contemporary dispute resolution practices. In a recent article published in the ABA Dispute Resolution Magazine, Stipanowich provides a compelling preview of his work, serving as an introduction to a more comprehensive exploration of the topic in his forthcoming publications.
His article, "Lincoln's Vision of Reconciliation," is now available for download on SSRN.
Roberts recently reached a major academic milestone with the successful defense of his doctoral dissertation, titled "The Aftermath of Civil Unrest: Insights into Community Trust, Hope, and Perceptions of Police." This cutting-edge research provides a pioneering exploration of the effects of large-scale civil unrest on the relationships between community members and law enforcement. Roberts' work unveils the patterns and narratives that shape these crucial relationships over time, offering profound insights into the challenges and opportunities for rebuilding community trust in the wake of civil unrest.
Pepperdine Brings Cutting Edge Curriculum to Students Innovation in the Classroom
In 2024 Pepperdine University distinguished itself through innovative classroom experiences. Full-time and adjunct faculty introduced an array of academic courses that immersed students in advanced dispute resolution concepts. These offerings were complemented by experiential opportunities designed to enhance students' skill sets, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world challenges in the field.
SwissParis24 Olympic and International sports Dispute Resolution Study Tour
Professor Maureen Weston and sports law attorney/ arbitrator Jeff Benz taught a groundbreaking 10-day study tour to Switzerland and Paris, focusing on Olympic and international sports law and dispute resolution. This innovative 2-credit course offered students a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in international sports governance and legal processes. The tour featured exclusive visits to prestigious institutions like the United Nations, Court of Arbitration for Sport, World Anti-Doping Agency, and various sport federations in Lausanne, Switzerland. The journey concluded in Paris, providing students with a firsthand look at the city's preparations for hosting the Summer 2024 Olympic Games, bridging academic learning with real-world applications in the dynamic field of international sports law.
Western Justice Center Peer Mediation and Restorative Practices
Adjunct professor Rehana Jamal (LLM '22) designed and delivered an experiential course on restorative justice entitled Western Justice Center Peer Mediation and Restorative Practices. The course provided theoretical and practical experience in restorative practices, specifically aimed at addressing conflict and harm within the context of youth, schools, and community partners. After providing an academic foundation in restorative models, Jamal worked in collaboration with the Western Justice Center to deploy students into the field for hands-on experience working with practitioners, facilitating sessions, coaching mediation programs, and creating new educational materials for the next generation of peacemakers in Los Angeles schools. The course was the vision of Western Justice Center executive director Elissa Barrett and Shaphan Roberts.
ADR and Social Entrepreneurship
Professor Helen Winter designed and taught an inaugural course on ADR and Social Entrepreneurship. Throughout the course, students explored the world of conflict resolution, negotiation, and system design, specifically focusing on applying these concepts to address pressing social issues by forming ADR-related social businesses. By examining real-world problems and learning about business models, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of how ADR methods and innovative system design can be harnessed to create meaningful and sustainable solutions for the global challenges they are passionate about addressing. The class culminated its studies as seven student teams presented their final social entrepreneurship business pitches, facing a jury of experts from the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Seaver College, and the JAMS Foundation.
Lincoln, Lawyering, and Leadership
Finally, as highlighted in Tom Stipanowich’s welcome message, the Straus Institute introduced Lincoln, Lawyering, and Leadership, a course offering students a unique perspective on one of America's most influential figures. This groundbreaking class examines Abraham Lincoln's life and career through the lens of conflict resolution and leadership. The course delves into Lincoln's multifaceted experiences with conflict and explores how Lincoln navigated various challenges using a wide range of conflict resolution approaches, providing valuable insights for aspiring legal professionals and conflict resolution practitioners.
Fulbright Scholars Share Research in ADR
The Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution recently hosted presentations by three distinguished Fulbright scholars, showcasing their research on mediation and alternative dispute resolution in Malawi, Moldova, and Myanmar. The event, initiated by professor Sarah Park and led by academic advisor professor Helen Winter, highlighted the global impact of the Straus Institute and the importance of diverse international perspectives in the field.
Gladys Gondwe, a High Court judge from Malawi, presented on the country's mediation landscape. Despite a 50 percent case settlement rate through court-annexed mediation, Gondwe identified significant challenges to efficient case resolution. She proposed a comprehensive study benchmarking Malawi's practices against comparable jurisdictions and emphasized stakeholder engagement for reform.
VIOREL RABEI | MOLDOVA: INTEGRATING ADR INTO SOCIETY
Viorel Rabei, adviser to the prime minister's office in Moldova, outlined strategies for incorporating ADR practices into Moldova's educational system and broader society. He stressed the importance of supportive policy frameworks, legal reforms, and public awareness campaigns.
CUNG NGAIH LUN | MYANMAR: MEDIATION AS A TOOL FOR REFORM
Cung Ngaih Lun, presenting on mediation in Myanmar, focused on the potential of mediation as a tool for legal reforms and transitional justice in the country. She summarized the current state of mediation practices in Myanmar, the challenges and opportunities for expanding mediation use, and the role of mediation in addressing conflicts in a society that has 135 ethnic groups and multiple religions. She introduced strategies for promoting the conceptual development of existing mediation processes.
The presentations highlighted the universal applicability of ADR and mediation in addressing complex societal challenges across different cultural and legal contexts. The event demonstrated the importance of adapting dispute resolution approaches to specific environments while leveraging international best practices.
Innovation Abroad
Pepperdine
Offers International ADR and Global Justice Certificate to Chief Justices
Over the course of the summer, the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and the Sudreau Global Justice Institute came together to offer a unique master class. Inspired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the two institutes worked with chief justices from different African countries to improve their nations’ justice systems. The goal of the program was to share knowledge and focus on common principles of dispute resolution along with the Sudreau Institute’s programming on implementing plea bargaining.
The institutes collaborated with chief justices from Kenya, Somalia, Zambia, Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana, Malawi, and Zambia. Although these countries have different legal systems, the participants were united by a shared commitment to justice and fair conflict resolution. The project was led by Sukhsimranjit Singh, and he invited professors Selina Shultz, Jack Coe, Shaphan Roberts, Helen Winter, and David Dowling to teach class sections in the program.
The classes covered important topics to understand and improve approaches to justice, which included: the impact of culture on decision making, the power of emotions on judgments, understanding the self in difficult conflict, mediating through understanding, and cross-cultural communication.
The program, which concluded with a capstone week of intensive work and the awarding of completion certificates in mid-October at Pepperdine’s Château d’Hauteville in Switzerland, was very rewarding. The chief justices actively participated, shared their experiences, and learned from each other throughout. The exchange of knowledge created a supportive community focused on improving justice systems in Africa, with positive changes already occurring.
Pepperdine University and Uganda's Judiciary Strengthen Ties Through Dispute Resolution
In 2024 Pepperdine University and Uganda's judiciary celebrated significant milestones in their long-standing partnership, focusing on alternative dispute resolution methods. The collaboration culminated in three events: the first international graduation ceremony for Pepperdine's Master of Dispute Resolution program in Kampala, the seventh Annual National Plea Bargaining Conference, and the Family Justice Summit, held at the Supreme Court Conference hall in Kampala.
The graduation ceremony, presided over by Ugandan vice president Alupo Jessica and Pepperdine University vice president Danny DeWalt, marked a historic moment for both institutions. Professor Sukhsimranjit Singh delivered the commencement address, emphasizing "The Role of Culture in International ADR."
The graduates included Supreme Court justices and high-ranking legal professionals, including the minister of justice for the Republic of Uganda.
At the Annual National Plea Bargaining Conference, Singh delivered a remote keynote address, stressing the importance of understanding cultural differences and demonstrating respect, patience, and empathy in negotiations, particularly when implementing mediation policies across nations. Justice Jane Francis Abodo, Uganda's director of public prosecutions, highlighted the need to balance customs with the law, advising on proper procedures for plea bargaining and emphasizing the importance of informed decisions. Stephanie Blondell and adjunct professor Zena Zumeta delivered a remote presentation at the Family Justice Summit, where they engaged with justices to explore the opportunities and challenges in family mediation.
Deputy chief justice Richard Buteera acknowledged Pepperdine's contribution to training court-accredited mediators and highlighted the judiciary's focus on ADR methods to improve efficiency. The events showcased the ongoing commitment of both Pepperdine University and Uganda's judiciary to advancing dispute resolution practices and legal education in the region.
Innovation at Home
Los Angeles Police Department and Community Unite for Beyond the Dialogue Program
The Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution's Beyond the Dialogue Initiative, generously supported by the JAMS Foundation, marked significant milestones in 2024. In June and October, the initiative brought together a total of 74 participants, including 36 Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers and supervisors alongside 38 community members from across Los Angeles for intensive training in mediation and de-escalation techniques.
Led by Straus Institute’s Shaphan Roberts, the program conducted two sessions at the Caruso School of Law. Participants engaged in hands-on skills-building and role-playing scenarios, fostering mutual understanding and enhancing communication between law enforcement and the community it serves.
The second day of each in-person training was dedicated to service and dialogue at a community location in Los Angeles. LAPD officers and community members collaborated on building playground equipment for children, assembling hygiene kits, and helping build and maintain a community garden. They then participated in dialogues designed to address and challenge stereotypes and biases, shedding light on different perspectives and helping to bridge the gaps between them.
These trainings proved to be impactful and transformative. Law enforcement and community members connected on a deeper level, highlighting their shared humanity and altering preconceived notions. The Beyond the Dialogue Initiative continues to play a crucial role in rebuilding trust and fostering unity across Los Angeles.
Kids Managing Conflict Workshop
The Straus Institute hosted a two-day workshop for Kids Managing Conflict (KMC) in November. This event brought together educators, administrators, and conflict resolution experts to support KMC's mission of promoting peer mediation programs in K–12 schools. Sessions were led by Ken Cloke, director of the Center for Dispute Resolution, and Shaphan Roberts, senior director at the Straus Institute.
This innovative workshop, led by KMC's executive director Cheryl Epps, focused on equipping participants with strategies to implement and enhance peer mediation programs in their schools. Students were trained in professional mediation techniques, and school administrators in attendance were trained on how to create effective on-campus peer mediation structures and measure the positive impact of these programs on school environments.
The KMC mission underscores the importance of early intervention in conflict resolution education. By hosting this workshop, the institute contributed to the organization's ongoing efforts to empower youth with dispute-resolution skills that will serve them well into adulthood.
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law and Straus Institute student Christian Parham related, “I participated in Kids Managing Conflict, where I spent half the day with elementary students. I was blown away by their intelligence, character, and kindness. One notable interaction I had was with a fourth grader, where she said that in conflict, we must understand how everyone has their own paradigms influencing their views. This eloquence and maturity in an elementary schooler gives me so much hope for not only their future but the future of our world as we develop peacemakers.”
Dispute Resolution Law Journal Symposium Explores Faith, Dialogue, and Meaning
The Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution recently hosted its annual Dispute Resolution Law Journal Symposium, focusing on the theme "Faith, Dialogue, and Meaning" in conflict resolution. Under the leadership of symposium editor Zoie Stanton and faculty advisor Helen Winter, the event welcomed esteemed scholars, practitioners, and students to explore innovative approaches within the field of alternative dispute resolution through the lens of faith.
The symposium opened with remarks from dean Paul Caron and Helen Winter. The keynote address was delivered by Ken Cloke, a respected leader in mediation. He encouraged attendees to consider how spirituality and personal values influence their approaches to conflict resolution.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in thought-provoking panel discussions: Conflict Resolution: Lessons from Faith, Healing to Unite: Theory to Practice—Lessons from Dialogue, and The Future: Us and Them—Lessons from Seeking Meaning. Attendees left inspired by the stories and insights shared throughout the day, carrying a renewed sense of purpose in advancing dialogue and innovative conflict-resolution practices.
Adjunct Faculty Highlights
PROFESSOR DAVID DOWLING TEACHES UKRAINIANS ABOUT RESOLVING CONFLICT
Straus Institute adjunct professor David Dowling (MDR ’09) traveled to Ukraine in the fall to teach a course on conflict and dispute resolution. His experience was featured in the ABC7 News story "Pepperdine Professor Teaches Ukrainian Students About Conflict Resolution Amid War." Dowling’s first day of class took place in a bomb shelter. As ABC7 News related,
"Our very first day, I walked into class and the students all came in and put their bags down, and then they started picking up their bags and walking out because the air-raid sirens started going off," he recalled.
For the students, this was the first time they had been back in a classroom together since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and the Russian invasion of their country. Dowling recalls his students calmly leading him to a bomb shelter.
"The ceilings were low, and there were two little benches, and some of them were huddled up in the corners, and I thought, 'Let's teach!' That's what I'm here to do, and it was going to keep me calm."
THE HONORABLE ALEXANDER WILLIAMS III: FOUR DECADES OF JUDICIAL EXCELLENCE
The Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law is proud to honor the Honorable Alexander Williams III for his remarkable 40-year career on the Los Angeles Superior Court and his unwavering commitment to educating Straus students. Williams' distinguished service on the bench, where he presided over hundreds of trials and later specialized as a full-time settlement judge, laid the foundation for his invaluable contributions to the field of dispute resolution. For the past 15 years, Williams has been an integral part of the Straus Institute, serving on its adjunct faculty and teaching the Mediation Clinic course. His dedication to sharing his extensive knowledge and practical experience has profoundly impacted both students and professionals, shaping the next generation of mediators and arbitrators. The Straus Institute celebrates Williams' legacy of effective dispute resolution and his ongoing commitment to advancing the field both locally and internationally.
REMEMBERING JEFFREY KRIVIS: HONORING THE LEGACY . . .
Jeffrey Krivis, a leader in the field of mediation, passed away on August 23, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and dedication to conflict resolution. His contributions to the field were profound, including his work at the Straus Institute where he was an influential figure teaching mediation courses and supervising countless student externships. Krivis was one of the first commercial mediators to join the team for the flagship Mediating the Litigated Case program, influencing a generation of mediators with his insights, wisdom, and knowledge. He was also a founding member of the International Academy of Mediators (IAM) and a former president of IAM and the Southern California Mediation Association. Former Straus Institute managing director and Professor Emeritus Peter Robinson wrote about Krivis: "Jeff's contributions to the success and reputation of the Straus Institute cannot be overstated." We are excited to announce the establishment of the Jeffrey Krivis Memorial Scholarship at the Straus Institute, which honors Jeffrey Krivis' significant contributions to mediation and aims to support aspiring mediators in their educational journey.
Alumni Making Waves
FRANCIS OJOK (LLM ’22): FROM WAR-TORN UGANDA TO GLOBAL PEACEMAKER
Francis Ojok's journey from a war-torn childhood in Northern Uganda to that of global advocate for peace and dispute resolution is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Born amid conflict, Ojok experienced the horrors of war firsthand, including displacement to an internally displaced person camp. Despite these challenges, he chose to channel his experiences into a force for positive change. Ojok pursued a law degree in Uganda, hoping to make a difference through the legal system.
Having completed his degree, Ojok soon realized the limitations of traditional legal practice in fostering reconciliation. This path led him to the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution where he earned his LLM in 2022.
In the few years since his graduation from the Straus Institute, Ojok’s professional achievements include:
Serving as a mediator and dispute resolution specialist with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia's Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division
Founding the DC Mediation and Dispute Resolution Institute
Instructing in mediation programs across the US and internationally
Arbitrating for mobile claims
Ojok’s work extends beyond the US. He is the coauthor of a legal handbook on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Dispute Resolution. He is also the pioneer of a Host/Refugee Mediation Project in Uganda, addressing tensions between host communities and refugees.
Through his various initiatives, Ojok aims to bridge societal divides by employing compassionate curiosity and joint problem solving, empowering individuals with conflict-resolution skills, fostering unity and cooperation across African nations, and addressing the root causes of conflict to build lasting social cohesion.
Francis Ojok's story is one of transformation—from a child of war to a global peacemaker. His work demonstrates the potential for individuals to effect positive change, even in the face of immense challenges.
EMILY MILNES (MPP '21, LLM '23) LEADS GLOBAL FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING AS COFOUNDER OF LIBERTAS COUNCIL
To combat human trafficking is the reason Straus Institute
alumna Emily Milnes became a lawyer. After working in the US as an immigration attorney specializing in forced labor and human trafficking cases, she lived in East Africa working with International Justice Mission. Recently, she co-launched the Libertas Council and serves as its chief of staff. The Libertas Council is a leadership community working to combat human trafficking, advance democracy, and affirm dignity.
Working with leaders around the world, the Libertas Council offers curated, solutions-oriented initiatives to educate, equip, and empower leaders to use their positions to identify victims, hold traffickers accountable, and care for survivors. “The skills I learned in the Straus LLM program have been meaningful for developing partnerships and programming in the work I do now. I am so grateful for the Straus faculty and their investment in the classroom,” says Milnes.
