The St. John's University Dispute Resolution Society ("DRS") is
a student organzation that formed in 2007 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 Society 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, 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, 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 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 2008-2009
Executive Director
Jessica Aaron
Externals Director
Richard Speidel
Internals Director
Peter Ryan