Straus Institute Hosts 14th Annual AALS ADR Works in Progress Conference

On October 7-9, the Straus Institute hosted the 14th Annual AALS Section on Dispute Resolution's Works-in-Progress Scholarship Conference in a hybrid format, welcoming scholars on campus in Malibu as well as 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 wherein participants can share their work, exchange ideas, and give or receive feedback with colleagues in attendance. The WIP Conference was last hosted in person in 2019 by the Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution at UNLV, and the annual event has been held at various law schools since 2007. This is the first time the Straus Institute has hosted this conference.

This year's event was held over three days, and featured 19 fantastic presentations, with more than 60 faculty members in attendance. The conference kicked off with a faculty dinner in Calabasas on Thursday, October 7. It 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 Pepperdine Caruso Law Dean Paul Caron, who welcomed scholars from across the country. Professor Sukhsimranjit Singh, who serves as the Judge Danny Weinstein Managing Director of the Institute, then requested Elayne Greenberg, Chair Regent of the AALS Section on Dispute Resolution, to present the Section's 2019 Best Article Award to Professor Michael Moffitt (Oregon) for his article Settlement Malpractice. Professor Moffitt presented the article to the audience and answered some questions.

Straus Institute faculty, Professors Singh, Stipanowich, Weston, and Blondell, facilitated the works in progress presentations, which spanned topics across the ADR spectrum. The in-person guests enjoyed lunch and coffee breaks on the back patio, and the day ended with a memorable reception and dinner at Professor Singh's home. Professors Coe and 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 Professor Singh, who worked closely with Aparna Gupta, director of external relations at the Institute, to design and execute this conference.