OKLAHOMA COUNTY PROGRAM Oklahoma State University-OKC Health Technology Building 900 North Portland Oklahoma City, OK 73107
PROGRAM SPONSOR:
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Oklahoma County Early Settlement Mediation provides exceptional service to the courts, citizens, and legal representatives of the county in resolving disputes. We are committed to cost-effective, professional, and compassionate mediation to those in need while maintaining collaborative relationships with our volunteer mediators. We strive to consistently surpass expectations and assist the courts in promoting efficiency while minimizing time and money spent in the legal process.
Volunteer of the Year! Russ Cochran is an Alabama native who lives in Midwest City, Oklahoma with his wife Jeannie. Russ is a military veteran and (semi-retired) attorney practicing in the state of Oklahoma. Russ has been a volunteer mediator with Early Settlement since 2022 and in addition to serving as a mediator, he fills the role of friend, mentor, and comedian. Russ serves on the Dispute Resolution Advisory Board representing retired citizen organizations. Russ has been a volunteer for 3 years and has mediated 280 cases. He has volunteered over 642 hours for the Oklahoma County Program.Associate State Director Lauren O’Brien presented at the Dispute Resolution Advisory Board meeting on Friday! State Director Phil Johnson and Associate State Director Lauren O’Brien spoke with OCU Law students about Early Settlement Mediation and externship opportunities. Two former externs and current volunteers were in the class: Vicente Martinez (left) and Shawna Cruz (right).2023 Volunteer Mediator of the Year! Nancy Mallory, Early Settlement Mediation – Oklahoma County Program was named the Volunteer Mediator of the Year at the Annual Conference last week. Lauren Craig-O’Brien, Associate State Director, presented Nancy the award. In 2023, Nancy mediated 51 basic civil cases and 27 family cases as a volunteer mediator. She gave 170 hours of volunteer time back the Oklahoma County program. Congrats Nancy and thank you for all you do!Legislative Blitz – Andrew Aldridge, State Director, Peer Mediation, Lauren O’Brien, Associate State Director and Program Director for Early Settlement – Oklahoma County, and Phil Johnson, State Director, Alternative Dispute Resolution System handed out informational packets about the Early Settlement Mediation program to legislators this week. The program provides FREE mediation services to all Oklahomans.Director of the Administrative Office of The Courts Jari Askins joins Associate State Director Lauren O’Brien, along with volunteers Mark and Margot, at the Family Training (located at University of Oklahoma College of Law in Norman, Oklahoma).Phil Johnson and Lauren O’Brien presented at OCU Law about Early Settlement Mediation and externship opportunities. Connie Smotherman was presented a logo pen for her many years of support for Early Settlement Mediation.
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Externship Opportunities
The Oklahoma County Program offers externship opportunities for law students in Oklahoma. An externship provides the student with training and potential certification in Early Settlement Mediation, allows the student to participate in courtroom observation, and more. Please download the application, complete in full, and submit to okc.earlysettlement@okstate.edu
