New York Courts Launch Division of Alternative Dispute Resolution, appoint Lisa Courtney as director

March 6, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Lisa Courtney, previously the Statewide ADR Coordinator, has been named director of the State's new Division of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Photo courtesy of the Office of Court Administration

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In a move meant to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in New York, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, alongside First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George, announced the establishment of the Office of Court Administration’s Division of ADR.

Leading this new division as director will be Lisa Courtney, a seasoned professional in the field, whose appointment marks a pivotal step towards expanding ADR’s role across the state.

ADR, a method of resolving disputes outside the conventional courtroom setting, encompasses mediation, neutral evaluation, arbitration, Community Dispute Resolution Centers and settlement conferences. These processes are designed to be less formal, confidential, and generally more expedient than traditional court proceedings. They have shown significant promise in efficiently settling various disputes, including those related to small claims, business and family conflicts.

Courtney’s new role entails working closely with judges, non-judicial staff and stakeholders to promote the use of mediation and other ADR methods. Her responsibilities will include leading all ADR programs and committees, developing and monitoring court-sponsored ADR programs, overseeing training for court staff and members of the bar, managing the statewide network of Community Dispute Resolution Centers, and spearheading initiatives to expand online ADR tools and resources.

“ADR offers parties an opportunity to be more fully heard, helping them reach mutually acceptable, longer-lasting outcomes,” Justice Zayas said. “Expanding and refining the court system’s ADR services and online tools is essential to our ongoing efforts to improve the delivery and quality of justice for all New Yorkers, regardless of income, background or need.”

Justice Zayas lauded Courtney’s extensive experience and dedication to advancing ADR within the court system. First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge St. George also highlighted Courtney’s comprehensive background in reducing barriers to justice and her leadership qualities as vital assets to the Division and the broader court system.

“Lisa Courtney has spent much of her professional life initiating programs to reduce barriers to justice and enhance the operational efficiency of the New York State Courts, from training volunteer attorneys to serve in the court system’s Help Centers, to implementing mediation pilot programs, to crafting ADR program rules, to her efforts to recruit, train, and retain individuals who reflect New York’s rich diversity to serve as mediators and ADR trainers,” said Judge St. George.

“Not only is Lisa well-versed in all forms of ADR, she’s also an effective leader, collaborator, and communicator, qualities that will benefit the Division, the court system, and those individuals and families served by the courts,” St. George continued.

Lisa Courtney, previously the Statewide ADR Coordinator, has been instrumental in advising on ADR program development, drafting rules and protocols, and overseeing training and recruitment for ADR initiatives. Her extensive background includes mediating court-referred disputes, implementing pilot mediation programs and contributing to the Collaborative Family Law Center.

Courtney’s career in the legal field began at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, LLP, followed by roles in the Housing Part of the Civil Court of the City of New York, and as an instructor at Brooklyn Law School. She is a Columbia University alumna and has been recognized for her contributions to ADR, including receiving the NY Peace Institute’s 2019 Peace Raiser Award. Her appointment as Director of the Division of ADR is effective March 14, 2024.