Welcome to
Early Settlement Mediation!

Please click on the interactive map below
to locate your regional program
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Introduction

The Alternative Dispute Resolution System in Oklahoma is made up of thirteen (13) regional Early Settlement Mediation Centers (including one (1) municipal program) which provide FREE mediation services all 77 counties in Oklahoma. There are fourteen (14) State Agencies with programs offering specialized mediation services. The Alternative Dispute Resolution System was authorized (1983) and funded (1985) by the state legislature through the Oklahoma Dispute Resolution Act, 12 O.S. Supp. 1997, § 1801 et seq. The Administrative Director of the Courts administers and supervises the Alternative Dispute Resolution System through a designated, State Director, with the ongoing input of the Dispute Resolution Advisory Board.

Alternative Dispute Resolution System
News and Happenings

Peer Mediation Program! Andrew Aldridge, Statewide Director, Peer Mediation Program and Phil Johnson, State Director, Alternative Dispute Resolution System recently met with leaders from the Dallas Independent School District and the University of North Texas – Dallas about the FREE PROS (Peer Resolutions for Oklahoma Students) program. For more information: adrs.oscn.net/pros
NEW Dispute Resolution Advisory Board Members! Justice Noma Gurich administered the oath of office to Adam Doverspike of Tulsa, who represents the Business Community, and Amanda Choate of Oklahoma City, who represents the Department of Corrections, as the newest members of the Dispute Resolution Advisory Board.
Thanksmas Luncheon! The Early Settlement Directors’ from across the state held their annual Thanksmas luncheon and gift exchange at Toby Keith’s in Bricktown recently. The luncheon is always a fun time of food and fellowship!
Early Settlement President Award! Sarah Head, Director of the Early Settlement – Southwest Program and current Early Settlement Directors’ Association President presented Past-President Jay Irby, Director of Early Settlement – North Program with an acrylic appreciation award for his service.

Welcome NEW Early Settlement Mediation! Northwest Oklahoma Director! Dr. Wayne McMillin, Dean of the Northwestern Oklahoma State University – Enid Campus, Michael Nalley, NEW Early Settlement Mediation – Northwest Oklahoma, Program Director, Lauren O’Brien, Associate State Director and Program Director, Early Settlement – Oklahoma County, and Phil Johnson, State Director, Alternative Dispute Resolution System. He will begin work on Monday, December 4, 2023.

Early Settlement – City of Norman Volunteer Mediator Reception! Mayor Larry Heikkila made certificate presentations and refreshments were served to those in attendance: Front Row (L to R)Phil Johnson, State Director, Alternative Dispute Resolution System, Katy Powers, Lisa Roberts, Bill Scanlon, Maggie Griffith, Mediation Coordinator, Mayor Larry Heikkila, Ronda Guerrero, Court Administrator. Back row (L to R) Julie Hopper, David Gandesbery and Mark Emerson.

Oklahoma Bar Association • ADR Section!  Nationally known speaker Megan Hunter knocked it out of the park with her “High Conflict” presentation at the OBA Conference recently.  Attending from the Oklahoma Supreme Court ADR and state agency programs were, Brayden Love, Civil Service Mediation Coordinator,  Lauren O’Brien, Associate State Director and Director of the Early Settlement-Oklahoma County, and Phil Johnson, State Director, of the court-connected, community-based ADR program. Also, Early Settlement Mediation volunteer, Karren Berry,  and Mike Mayberry, Director of the Ag program, attended the conference.  

Office Tour! Early Settlement Mediation-East Central Program Director, Jorjia Cash gave Administrative Director of the Courts,  Jari Askins,  a tour of the Early Settlement office on the campus of East Central University. Director Askins was on campus to speak to students.  East Central University serves as the sponsor for three (3) Early Settlement programs.

A-Team! (L to R) State Director, Phil Johnson, and the Early Settlement Mediation Directors from Northern and Northeastern Oklahoma, Marcy Cox, Early Settlement – NE, LeiLani Armstrong, Early Settlement – Tulsa, Tim Scott, Statewide Child Permanency Coordinator, Sarah Adams, Early Settlement – East, and Jay Irby, Early Settlement – North, attended the Court Improvement Conference in Tulsa recently.  One of the breakout sessions included a panelist group which included a couple of judges, a district attorney, and child’s attorney who have had great success using mediation to conduct child permanency cases.  

Congrats, G!  Greg Holleyman has been part of the Early Settlement Mediation family for over 25 years, both as a volunteer mediator & on staff.  He’s served as the Child Permanency Coordinator in both Oklahoma & Tulsa counties & as the Program Director of the Early Settlement • North Program based out of Stillwater.  We presented Greg with an award today for his many years of service to the Early Settlement Mediation program & the Supreme Court of Oklahoma.  On behalf of Chief Justice John Kane IV & Director of the Courts Jari Askins, Felice Hamilton, Director, Court Improvement, Tim Scott, Coordinator of Child Permanency Mediation, and Phil Johnson, Statewide Director, Alternative Dispute Resolution System, would like to thank Greg for his dedicated service to the courts & the people of Oklahoma.  
Early Settlement Team • Jaxie Johnston, Director, Early Settlement -South Central, Jorjia Cash, Director, Early Settlement -East Central, Tylnn Childress, Director, Early Settlement – Central, Lauren O’Brien, Associate State Director and Director, Early Settlement – Oklahoma County, and Phil Johnson, State Director, Alternative Dispute Resolution System, assisted with the Court Improvement Conference in Norman.