The St. John's University Dispute Resolution Society ("DRS") is
the student division of the Hugh
L. Carey Center for Dispute Resolution. Formed in 2007,
the DRS seeks to meet the demand for practical education in the
constantly developing field of dispute resolution. With such
a small percentage of cases going through a full trial, the need
for understanding and experience in alternative dispute resolution
will be an integral part of any lawyer's career. The DRS
specializes in negotiations, mediation and arbitration through
events, seminars, intra-school competitions held at St. John's and
external competitions locally, nationally and internationally.
In the fall, the DRS hosts a panel discussion on emerging issues
in dispute resolution featuring distinguished alumni and
professionals, a skill building seminar for all aspects of dispute
resolution, focusing on negotiations, as well as an internal
competition among second and third year students, choosing the top
placing teams for external competitions. In the spring, an
internal competition is held among the first year students who are
interested in learning more and participating the following
year. Throughout the academic year, the DRS organizes,
trains, and prepares numerous external teams for several
competitions in negotiations, arbitration and representing clients
in mediation sponsored by the ABA section of Dispute
Resolution or other law schools, as well as the Wlliem C. Vis
International Arbitration Moot held in Vienna, Austria.
The faculty advisor for the DRS is Professor Paul
Kirgis. An Executive Board manages the daily operations
of the society and ensures that DRS events and competitions are
successful.
Executive Board for 2009-2010
Executive Director
Elizabeth Filardi
Externals Director
Xiao Chen
Internals Director
Martha Lapsatis
Special Event Director
Stefanie Singer