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deathviaboredom wrote:I think I'd enjoy not arguing for one particular side but figuring our a fair compromise, or mediating between groups.

Is this a real branch of law that I can write about in a personal statement? What does this entail? Is it considered public interest?

I sound like a moron writing this general request, but any information about this field would be welcome.

It is a real branch of law, but requires a good bit of experience before you can/should do it. (AKA not straight out of LS, which means you probably shouldn't write about it in a PS, but thats just my take). As to what it entails, a lot of different things - mediation / arbitration / settlements etc - basically anything short of litigation (go wikipedia it if you don't know anything). It's considered public interest the same as any other sector is - that is, when your working for a non-profit etc.

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djgoldbe wrote:
It is a real branch of law, but requires a good bit of experience before you can/should do it. (AKA not straight out of LS, which means you probably shouldn't write about it in a PS, but thats just my take). As to what it entails, a lot of different things - mediation / arbitration / settlements etc - basically anything short of litigation (go wikipedia it if you don't know anything). It's considered public interest the same as any other sector is - that is, when your working for a non-profit etc.

Not true

bump

hiromoto45 wrote:

djgoldbe wrote:
It is a real branch of law, but requires a good bit of experience before you can/should do it. (AKA not straight out of LS, which means you probably shouldn't write about it in a PS, but thats just my take). As to what it entails, a lot of different things - mediation / arbitration / settlements etc - basically anything short of litigation (go wikipedia it if you don't know anything). It's considered public interest the same as any other sector is - that is, when your working for a non-profit etc.

Not true

The ADR lawyer I spoke to told me they only hired straight out of LS in very limited / rare circumstances. I'd love to hear otherwise though, do you have some specific info?

Edit: Looking at various ADR firms online seems to confirm this, with nearly every associate having at least a 1-2 years out of LS before joining (the vast majority of whom were clerks, mostly federal).

From what I have learned working at a small securities firm, here is what I can tell you:

-98% of our cases never get to litigation. Mediation is cheaper and usually more effective.
-EVERY arbitrator's profile I have seen had considerable work experience in the field they are mediating.
-I have seen alums from every school, from Harvard to Cal Western. It doesnt matter where you went, but what you did afterwards.

That being said:
-concentrating on mediation is not irrelevant, but I think its a bad idea. You will narrow your options when you really don't have to.
-if you are interested in mediating, can write a good PS about it, i think it might be cool/original.
-not sure if its public interest, but I think the bulk of it is private.

hth

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It is not public interest. Divorce law and family law can go under this catagory. Alternative Dispute Resolution=figuring it out without litigation.

deathviaboredom wrote:theyre all lawyers, tho, ya?

No. Most ADR is not done by lawyers. It is usually a certificate people can get like meditation or Human resources.

hiromoto45 wrote:

deathviaboredom wrote:theyre all lawyers, tho, ya?

No. Most ADR is not done by lawyers. It is usually a certificate people can get like meditation or Human resources.

I'm only speaking from my [limited] experience here, but over 90% of the arbitrators I have seen got their JDs. They may not be practicing attorneys, but they are JD holders.

Grad09 wrote:

hiromoto45 wrote:

deathviaboredom wrote:theyre all lawyers, tho, ya?

No. Most ADR is not done by lawyers. It is usually a certificate people can get like meditation or Human resources.

I'm only speaking from my [limited] experience here, but over 90% of the arbitrators I have seen got their JDs. They may not be practicing attorneys, but they are JD holders.

Speaking about in private practice the advocates do not have to be lawyers. Representatives of the company or party. Most arbitrators do have JDs but it isn't necessary for the field.