From Policy to Practice: How Karin Tidgewell is Bridging the Gap in Conflict Resolution
When the Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution at the William S. Boyd School of Law issued a call for a Research Associate (RA) to spearhead new community initiatives, they weren't just looking for a researcher — they were looking for a builder. They found that builder in Karin Tidgewell, a rising third-year law student whose journey to the legal profession is defined by a deep-seated belief in the power of "sitting people together in a room and talking."
The Road to Boyd and Discovering a Passion for ADR
Karin’s path to law school was paved by a career in public policy advocacy. Long before she stepped into a classroom at Boyd, she was already navigating the complexities of human disagreement. However, during those years in the policy world, she often felt the "lapse" of a formal legal education — a missing piece of the puzzle that would allow her to fully advocate for systemic change.
"We all fill in the gaps in stories as we understand them," Karin reflects. Seeking to fill those gaps with legal expertise, she transitioned from policy work to the law and immersed herself in the Boyd community.
Karin’s interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) was ignited in Professor Thomas Main’s Civil Procedure and ADR class. That initial spark led her to pursue the Dispute Resolution Concentration, where she leaned into courses like The Role of the Ombuds and Mediation Essentials.
These weren't just academic exercises. Her coursework led to hands-on volunteer mediations, allowing her to see firsthand how restorative justice, arbitration, and mediation function in Nevada’s unique legal landscape. "Nevada is a 'mediation-first' state," Karin notes, emphasizing that understanding when, how, and why these methods are beneficial is vital for any future practitioner.
As the Saltman Center’s Research Associate, Karin is currently focused on the community engagement piece of the Center’s mission. She is spearheading the creation of public education materials and accessible resources that demystify non-litigation forms of dispute resolution.
A Leader in the "Sweet 16" and Beyond
Karin’s impact on the Boyd Law community extends far beyond the Saltman Center. Her 2025-2026 academic year has been a whirlwind of leadership and achievement:
She was recently named Editor-in-Chief for the Nevada Law Journal Volume 27.
Along with teammates Nathan MacKay and Erika Loveland, Karin secured the 5th Best Brief at the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition regionals. The team eventually battled their way to the "Sweet 16" at the National Competition in April—an incredible feat in a field of 173 teams.
Karin served as the Director of Community Involvement for the Public Interest Law Association (PILA) — where she planned a successful Pro Bono Week in Fall 2025 — and held leadership roles in the Organization of Women Law Students (OWLS) and the Policy and Legislation Society.
Her dedication to helping others was officially recognized at the 2026 Barristers’ Ball, where she was named Mentor of the Year.
Building a Legacy of Advocacy
Whether she is mentoring undergraduate students through the Grad Rebel Advantage program or advocating for women in the law (earning a scholarship from the Southern Nevada Association of Women Attorneys), Karin Tidgewell is a testament to what happens when policy experience meets legal rigor.
At the Saltman Center, her work continues to bridge the gap between the law as it is written and the community as it lives. By educating the public on the art of the "settlement," Karin is helping to ensure that the next chapter of Nevada law is written through collaboration, conversation, and shared understanding.