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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

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The Spring 2026 semester at the William S. Boyd School of Law was defined by student achievement in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution, through their competition performance, original research, and leadership.  

Success on the National Stage 

In late February, Francesca Manz and Sandra Scheinost represented Boyd at the ABA Client Counseling Regional Competition hosted by Elon University. The duo delivered a powerhouse performance, becoming one of only six teams to advance to the semifinal round. 

Their faculty coach, Pat Chapin, noting that the team earned a perfect score in one of

Written By Mike Weatherford

What happens when a bus driver claims he was fired for failing a drug test—after unknowingly using a THC-laced ointment he bought online?

Was it a case for product liability? A worker’s compensation claim? Or just an unfortunate misunderstanding?

These were the kinds of questions Boyd Law students Cianne Wallin and Zack Carlow had to unpack—quickly—in front of judges during the American Bar Association (ABA) Regional Client Counseling Competition held in Houston this past February. The Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution helps to sponsor Boyd student participation

Written By: Tommy Gugino

The Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution promotes hands-on learning in dispute resolution.  Students enrolled in the Community Law Practicum – Family Mediation mediate real divorce and custody cases referred by the Clark County Family Court. Open to students who have completed Mediation Essentials or equivalent training, this two-credit course bridges theory and practice by placing students in the role of neutral mediators.

Participants engage directly with litigants and attorneys, guiding parties through conflict toward potential resolution—whether at the start of

Written By Mike Weatherford

Adam Marchant and Raymond Wu entered law school, they didn’t know much about dispute resolution — and they figured most of their classmates didn’t know much either. After all, two sides sitting down to have an honest conversation isn’t quite the riveting courtroom drama portrayed in movies and TV shows.

During their first year of law school, the two revived the Dispute Resolution Society, serving as co-presidents of the student-run organization that needed new, energetic student leadership and a vision for how the organization could do more to introduce law students

One Boyd student who was instantly attracted to the new Dispute Resolution Concentration was Robin Gonzales. Growing up in the conflict-ridden Southern Philippines, Gonzales has long had a deep fascination and appreciation for ADR, and the 3L shares his unique story in this profile.