We’re rolling out RSI’s newest tools to support courts’ communication with parties, and you’re invited! Join us for an online demonstration, a Question & Answer session, and a chance to win a free one-hour consultation! Participation is free; registration is required. Background: You might have read about Phase 1 of our ODR Party Engagement (OPEN) Project. […] The post Join RSI at an Online Demonstration of our New OPEN Project Communication Tools first appeared on Just Court ADR ..read more

This year marks an incredible milestone as Resolution Systems Institute (RSI) celebrates 30 years of impact! As someone who counts herself among those who have benefited from the work of RSI over the years, I am deeply grateful for the strong foundation RSI stands on today. As we reflect on three decades of service, we […] The post RSI Proudly Celebrates 30-Year Anniversary first appeared on Just Court ADR ..read more

In late 2024, California passed a law authorizing the state bar to develop a certification system for mediators and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) practitioners. Although the program being created is voluntary, the move was controversial and resurfaces a long-running debate in the U.S. about the value of mediator certification. Proponents say certification is needed […] The post Should States Institute Mediator Certification? The View From Maryland first appeared on Just Court ADR ..read more

RSI Director of Research Jennifer Shack joined ODR.com CEO Colin Rule and Redek founder Nicolas Lozada this month for an ODR Cyberweek 2024 webinar on the topic of online dispute resolution to settle family law cases, focusing on a report Shack co-authored in 2021. ODR Cyberweek is a free, virtual conference hosted annually by the […] The post Shack Shares Insights from Research on ODR for Family Law Cases in NCTDR Webinar first appeared on Just Court ADR ..read more

Dear Friends of RSI, Do you know what it feels like to join a group you have admired from afar and benefitted from for years? I do, and I’m so proud and humbled today to share with you what it means to me and how you can support our continued work too. Every day, I […] The post Access to Justice Can Change Lives for Good first appeared on Just Court ADR ..read more

RSI recently completed user testing research for the ODR Party Engagement (OPEN) Project! We are excited to share insights from our experience conducting the testing and what we learned from participants about our model court communication materials. User Test Study As part of the OPEN Project Phase 2, RSI developed prototype materials — a webpage, […] The post ‘I Think My 10-Year-Old Can Do This’: RSI’s Model ODR Communications Are User Tested first appeared on Just Court ADR ..read more

In honor of Conflict Resolution Day on October 17 and the American Bar Association’s Mediation Week the third week of October, we are featuring a Q&A with RSI mediator Cathy McCoy. In addition to mediating for RSI, Cathy recently became our first volunteer at the Kane County Courthouse in Geneva, Illinois, supporting parties in our […] The post RSI Mediator Also Helps to Calm Nerves in New Role as Volunteer at Eviction Court first appeared on Just Court ADR ..read more

We have seen how the process makes parties feel respected and listened to, and what that means for them. We have also learned of issues that arise with power imbalances and with mediators who repeatedly facilitate cases involving the same attorney. The post Survey Comments Highlight What Tenants, Landlords Think About Mediation Program first appeared on Just Court ADR ..read more

Community mediation centers have long recognized that parties feel seen and benefit from working with mediators who are from diverse backgrounds. Despite this, they have found it difficult to develop mediator rosters that reflect the communities they serve. The Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR) in Chicago is undertaking an innovative project to address this issue. […] The post How Can Community Mediation Centers Successfully Diversify Their Rosters? first appeared on Just Court ADR ..read more

Last month, RSI welcomed Heather Fogg as RSI’s new Chief Executive Officer. Heather comes to RSI with an extensive background in court-connected alternative dispute resolution and research. Her expertise includes directing court mediator excellence programs; managing a state court’s ADR data collection tool; and designing and delivering restorative justice practices across a diverse range of sectors. Heather has guided the evaluation, design and data analysis of grant-funded ADR programs; coordinated workshops and training sessions for court ADR program managers, mediation trainers and mediato ..read more