Description:

Sheila Purcell and Vic Schachter have traveled extensively over the years observing, critiquing and helping to establish and strengthen mediation programs (court-annexed and otherwise) in countries around the world with heavy case backlogs or other case handling challenges, which require reform. They have given major attention to India and China, although they have traveled extensively in other countries as well. The focus of their efforts has been to establish viable ADR systems in very different cultures and judicial settings, and to do so in manner which results in sustainable, peaceful dispute resolution programs bringing timely access to underserved populations in an orderly and effective process.

The challenges, both professional and cultural, have been interesting, intriguing and professionally rewarding. Come join us for an enjoyable presentation and discussion about this work, which is contributing significantly to judicial reform in global communities with compelling needs.n
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PRESENTERS:

SHEILA PURCELL is the Director of UC Hastings’ Center for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution. She teaches ADR Systems Design at UC Hastings and has taught ADR Policy classes both at Hastings and Berkeley Law School since 1996. Prior to joining Hastings she designed and directed the Multi-option ADR Project at the San Mateo Superior Court, involving distinct programs for Civil, Complex Litigation, Family, Small Claims, Probate and Juvenile ADR. Her publications include co-authoring and contributing to a Bench Guide on ADR, Guide to Court Related ADR and an ADR Handbook for Judges. She initiated a court ADR technical assistance project with the American Bar Association. In addition to hosting delegations from around the world, she has taught, trained and consulted in China, Bosnia, Hong Kong, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Morocco and Singapore, and has assisted the Ministry of Justice of Slovenia with ADR legislation and implementation training.

VICTOR SCHACHTER is a partner in the law firm of Fenwick & West LLP, and is a graduate of the University of Connecticut (1964, Phi Beta Kappa) and New York University School of Law (1967). He has practiced labor and employment law before federal and state courts, and related agencies. Mr. Schachter has been actively engaged in mediation and related ADR programs in federal, state and courts. He has served on the board of the California Dispute Resolution Council, and is a member of the Mediation Society. Vic has participated in rule of law initiatives promoting alternative dispute resolution and judicial case management in India, Kosovo, Brazil, Turkey, and Malaysia. In 2008 Vic was recognized as a California Lawyer Attorney of the Year for his global legal reform work. In 2013, he was one of two attorneys honored nationally with a Super Lawyer Pro Bono Award. In 2012, Vic established the Foundation for Sustainable Rule of Law Initiatives (FSRI), a charitable organization promoting alternative dispute resolution centers to facilitate timely, fair and peaceful conflict resolution across the globe.