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.
Last week we said, “until we see you again!” to our courthouse Team Leader Ameen Behbahani as he moves to Texas! 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.Oklahoma City Community Court! Lauren O’Brien, Associate State Director & Director of the Early Settlement Oklahoma County program, and Phil Johnson, State Director of the Alternative Dispute Resolution System, recently observed the OKC Community Court, a diversion court working specifically with the homeless population. Manny Hernandez and Tracinda Langdale, with the City of Oklahoma City court system, are instrumental in management of this innovative new program.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).Associate State Director Lauren O’Brien presents about Early Settlement Mediation at the Oklahoma City Rotary Club breakfast. 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.NEW Volunteer Family Mediators! Sixteen (16) community volunteers from across Oklahoma attended our summer family mediation training at OU Law in Norman this week. Director of the Courts, Jari Askins, joined the group for lunch on the last day and also spent a few minutes of the training thanking them for their volunteer service to Early Settlement Mediation.We celebrated Bailee and Hannah on their last day with our program as externs through OCU Law! {Pictured from left to right: Nancy, Bailee, Russ, Hannah, John}Phil Johnson, State Director and Lauren O’Brien, Oklahoma County Program Director present a certificate of recognition to Mike Widell, VP of Operations at OSU-OKC. Early Settlement Mediation appreciates the continued support and sponsorship of Mr. Widell and OSU-OKC! The Early Settlement Mediation – Oklahoma County Program attended the 2023 OCU Law Career Fair to promote our free mediation services and to share about how current students can get involved!Phil Johnson, State Director, and Lauren O’Brien, Director, Early Settlement – Oklahoma County, recently presented Vanetta Hoover, Director the Oklahoma County Law Library, a certificate of appreciation from the Alternative Dispute Resolution System. The Law Library recently underwent a renovation to add several new conference rooms that will be used by the Early Settlement – Oklahoma County program to conduct mediations. “We are so appreciative of Vanetta and the law library for allowing Early Settlement to use the space for mediations.” Johnson said, “Early Settlement provides FREE mediation services to all Oklahomans!”
The Oklahoma County program is growing — and we want you to join us! As a volunteer mediator, you will assist people in your community in resolving conflict.
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
