Business Associate Julie Woolley was quoted in the November/December issue of Ohio State Alumni Magazine. The article, “Common Ground: Dispute resolution offers an alternative to litigation” details the need for arbitration and mediation as courts are moving away from lengthy and costly trials that can take years to resolve.
“Fewer and fewer litigation cases go to jury trial—fewer than 2 percent, according to the American Bar Association,” said Woolley, a 2003 Michael E. Moritz College of Law graduate. “That means they’re using other means to settle, and having this background helps.”
Woolley was referring to Ohio State’s certificate in alternative dispute resolution that she received while serving as editor-in-chief of Ohio State’s Journal on Dispute Resolution. Woolley was the first editor-in-chief to receive the certificate. According to the article, “During their internships, students mediate actual cases working with faculty, staff, and graduate associates at the university; with students in local public schools; or in the Small Claims Division of the Franklin County Municipal Court.”
As part of Woolley’s internship, she participated in a clinic in collaboration with the Franklin County Small Claims Court. She mediated a dispute between a contractor and a homeowner. With Woolley’s guidance, they were able to find common ground and avoid a trial.