Thomas Stipanowich Speaks at Harvard Brazil Legal Symposium

Professor and Associate Dean Tom Stipanowich was a speaker at the Brazil Legal Symposium at Harvard Law School. On Monday, April 7, Stipanowich spoke on "The Legal System in the Age of Mediation and ADR," and reflected on developments and trends during recent decades in the United States and possible considerations for Brazilian courts, legislators, lawyers and dispute resolution professionals. An audience of more than 150 attended the program in Austin Hall, the inaugural session in the week-long symposium.

Stipanowich's speech, which followed a keynote address by Chief Justice Jose Dias Toffoli of the Brazilian Supreme Court, led off a panel moderated by Brazilian Judge Andre Gomma. Other panelists included Harvard Business School professor Mark Egan; Henrique Avila of the Brazilian National Council of Justice, and Victor Schachter, whose Foundation for Sustainable Rule of Law Initiatives supports mediation programs in developing countries around the world. Other speakers on dispute resolution topics included Harvard Law professor Rachel Viscomi and adjunct professor/Boston mediator David Hoffman.

Stipanowich explained, "As Brazil embraces its own quiet revolution in dispute resolution, we at the Straus Institute are privileged to engage with students, scholars, judges and practitioners in dynamic and mutually beneficial exchanges. Chief Justice Toffoli and our good friend Judge Andre Gomma represent a commitment to thoughtful reform and change that merits our support."