Duly Noted . . .

PHOTOS COURTESY OF  RHOADES MCKEE

Community Dispute Resolution Program celebrates 25 years


As Michiganders marked National Conflict Resolution Day Oct. 15, the Michigan Supreme Court commends its Office of Dispute Resolution’s Community Dispute Resolution Program (CDRP), which has helped re-
solve conflicts for a quarter century. There are 18 local centers that provide mediation and dispute resolution services to over 30,000 Michigan residents each year.

“Providing access to mediation gives the public an efficient, low-cost option to resolve disputes,” said Doug Van Epps, the Office of Dispute Resolution director who has overseen the CDRP since it began.  “Local mediation centers can take small claims disputes and solve them efficiently without involving the justice system. None of this work would be possible without the invaluable contributions of the mediators who contribute their time to help fellow citizens resolve their... issues.”

According to its 2014 annual report, experts at local centers disposed of 14,725 cases, and in 74% parties reached a concrete agreement. For more, visit www.courts.mi.gov/disputeresolution.

 

Steiner elected SBM Environmental Law Section Council officer


Scott Steiner of Rhoades McKee was elected to serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the State Bar of Michigan Environmental Law Section Council.

Chair of the firm's Real Estate and Environmental Law Practice Groups and a member of the Agricultural Services Group, Steiner also recently completed the State of Michigan Certification for Civil Mediation and mediates cases involving environmental and land use issues. He was also named Best Lawyer’s Grand Rapids Lawyer of the Year 2014-15 for Environmental Law.

His experience includes: all aspects of guiding clients through property and business transactions with environmental issues; representing clients in efforts to achieve closure of contaminated sites; redevelopment of brownfield sites; counseling clients on environmental liability and regulatory compliance matters; securing land use permits and approvals; and representation of property owners and governmental agencies in condemnation and property tax appeal proceedings.

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