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

NEW FY 2025 Quick View Report

Check out the NEW Quick View Report for FY 2025! The report gives an overview of the nationally recognized Early Settlement Mediation program and statistics for the FY 2025 (July 2024 – June 2025) year. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FY 2025 QUICK VIEW REPORT

Dispute Resolution Advisory Board Swearing-In

The Honorable Justice Travis Jett administered the oath of office to the FY 2026 Dispute Resolution Advisory Board recently. Pictured (L to R front row) Brandon Clabes, Justice Jett, Russ Cochran, (2nd row L to R) Tracy Osburn, Misty Crain-Engelbrecht, Amber Choate, Ted Roberts, (Back row L to R) Honorable Trent Pipes, Bob Thomas, Jane Wheeler, & Chris Schroder. Not pictured – Adam Doverspike, Stan L. Foster, Jason Hicks, Bonnie L. Clift, and Frank Turner.

40 Years of Service! Dispute Resolution Advisory Board Chairman, Ted Roberts, and Supreme Court Justice Travis Jett presented Jane Wheeler with an acrylic award for her 40 years of service to the Dispute Resolution Advisory Board. Jane has served on the board since its inception in 1985 and continues to serve today.
Family Mediation Training! Early Settlement volunteer mediators from across Oklahoma attended the advanced family mediation training at OU Law in Norman recently. The volunteers have already completed their basic civil mediation certification and are attending this training to conduct family cases.
Regional School Staff Training! Phil Johnson, State Director, Alternative Dispute Resolution System was the keynote speaker for the recent regional school staff training in Holdenville. Pictured with Johnson are Tammy Dillard, Director of Teaching & Learning, Oklahoma Public School Resource Center and Randy Davenport, Superintendent of Schools, Holdenville Public Schools.
Statewide Judicial Conference! Lauren Craig O’Brien, Associate State Director, and Phil Johnson, State Director of the Alternative Dispute Resolution System set-up a table for the Early Settlement Mediation Programs at the Judicial Conference recently held at the NEW OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City.
Basic Civil Mediation Training! The Early Settlement East and Northeast programs recently held a volunteer mediation training on the campus of Northeastern Oklahoma State University in Tahlequah. Julie Easley serves as the Director of the East Program, and Ever Vidana serves as the Director of the Northeast program.
Mediation Training! Phil Johnson, State Director of the Alternative Dispute Resolution System, conducted a training for law interns and AOC staff recently at the Oklahoma Judicial Center. Margie Weaver, Court of Criminal Appeals Attorney, Lauren O’Brien, Associate State Director of the Alternative Dispute Resolution System and Director of the Early Settlement – Oklahoma County program, and Brayden Love, Mediation Coordinator for the Oklahoma Corporation System assisted with coaching at the training.
Municipal Court Clerks Association!  State Director, Phil Johnson, spoke recently to a large group of attendees at the Oklahoma Municipal Court Clerks Conference on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.  The topic was on dispute resolution and how municipalities can utilize the FREE services of Early Settlement Mediation or set-up their own municipal mediation program.  So many conflicts that happen in our communities can be resolved outside of court, if the disputants will just sit down with a mediator!
Early Settlement Volunteer Mediator Conference! The Volunteer Mediator Conference was held recently at Metro Technology in Oklahoma City. It’s an annual event that brings volunteer mediators from across Oklahoma together for a day of learning, food, & fellowship. The Early Settlement Directors are instrumental in organizing and help making the event successful each year.
(L to R Back Row) Tim Scott, Stacey Foster, Tylnn Childress, LeiLani Armstrong, Julie Easley, Jay Irby, Stacy Horner, & Ever Vidana. (L to R Front Row) Sarah Head, Phil Johnson, Jorjia Cash, Lauren O’Brien, Regan Glinton, Maggie Griffith, & Jaxie Johnston. A special thanks to Jaxie, Sarah, & Jorji for their hard work on the photo booth backdrop!