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Professor Helen Winter "Educating for Impact: A Pioneering Course in ADR and Social Entrepreneurship" -- St. Louis University Law Journal (forthcoming)

Professor Helen Winter's article, "Educating for Impact: A Pioneering Course in ADR and Social Entrepreneurship," will be published in the St. Louis University Law Journal ADR Teaching Edition in April 2025.  The article illustrates how law students, through practical applications and stakeholder engagement, can be equipped to create ventures that blend conflict resolution with social impact.

Abstract of "Educating for Impact: A Pioneering Course in ADR and Social Entrepreneurship"

This article examines the integration of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) principles with social entrepreneurship as a means to address pressing societal challenges. The article reflects Dr. Winter’s innovative approach to legal education, drawing from her experience designing and teaching the inaugural ADR and Social Entrepreneurship course at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.

Dr. Winter highlights how ADR mechanisms – such as mediation, negotiation, and system design – can be combined with entrepreneurial strategies to develop sustainable solutions for real-world conflicts. Inspired by her work with R3SOLUTE, a nonprofit that trains refugees and locals as peer mediators, the article explores how these principles can empower individuals and communities to resolve disputes effectively while fostering social innovation.

The article emphasizes experiential learning, showcasing how law students, through practical applications and stakeholder engagement, can be equipped to create ventures that blend conflict resolution with social impact. By focusing on leadership, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, Dr. Winter demonstrates how this integrated approach prepares students to address global challenges both as future legal professionals, mediators and as social entrepreneurs.