Doug Van Epps named recipient of the ACR 2013 Pioneer Award
Doug Van Epps, Director of the Office of Dispute Resolution for the Michigan Supreme Court — is the recipient of the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) Michigan Southeast Chapter 2013 Pioneer Award for his significant work and contributions to the conflict resolution field and to the Alternative Dispute Resolution community.
“Michigan is widely viewed as having an advanced conflict resolution system, both in courts, and increasingly, in schools. The system was built through years of efforts by organizations like the SE Michigan ACR Chapter, and its incredibly talented and visionary members. I’m honored to be recognized by the Chapter, but the true recognition goes to the many professionals who collectively have built one of the most advanced ADR systems in the country,” Van Epps said.
His 23-year tenure has included serving as the Director of numerous programs, including the Community Dispute Resolution Program, Permanency Planning Mediation Program, Michigan Agricultural Mediation Program, and Michigan Special Education Mediation Program. Van Epps oversees grants totaling approximately $2 million to 18 non-profit organizations that provide dispute resolution services throughout the state, as well as oversees the development of training for all specialized mediation services.
The ACR Michigan Southeast Chapter Pioneer Award is given to recognize and honor ADR practitioners who have been active in the field for many years having made noteworthy contributions to the conflict resolution community. Recipients of the ACR Pioneer Award are individuals who have shown a passionate commitment to the profession’s growth and development.
Edward Hartfield, President of the ACR Michigan Southeast Chapter said, “Doug has been a leader in the field of mediation for decades. He has been influential with the state government supporting mediation, and has facilitated and shepherded mediation court rules, domestic violence screening protocol, and the confidentiality court rule, as well as updates on the court rules and training requirements.”
Van Epps will receive his ACR Pioneer Award at the ACR Summer Soiree today at Fishbone’s Restaurant in Southfield. The event is from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. Registration is $15 cash at the door.
LAD to conduct free clinics and workshops
Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc. will conduct a free outreach clinic on civil legal services for income-eligible residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, including the city of Detroit, on Wednesday, June 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Detroit Veterans Center, 2770 Park Ave.
Attendees are asked to register before 10 a.m., as a LAD attorney will assist only those persons who have done so by that time.
LAD will also conduct a free workshop for residents of Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties on how to represent themselves in small claims court and collect money judgments on Thursday, June 13 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Utica Public Library, 7530 Auburn Road, Utica.
Registration is not required, but seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For further information, call LAD at (313) 967-5630.
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