City of Chandler launches free…

CHANDLER, Ariz. - Chandler's Neighborhood Programs Office is partnering with the Lodestar Mediation Clinic at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law to offer Chandler residents a free, voluntary way to resolve neighbor-to-neighbor disputes without going to court. The program will officially start Tuesday, Sept. 15.

The Neighborhood Mediation Program connects residents with trained mediators who help neighbors communicate, understand each other's needs and work toward their own solutions. Mediators do not take sides, make decisions or recommend outcomes. They simply guide the conservation and help both parties reach an agreement that works for everyone involved.

"Mediation gives neighbors a chance to be heard and to solve problems together, rather than letting small disagreements escalate," said Priscilla Quintana, senior neighborhood programs manager. "This partnership with ASU's Lodestar Mediation Clinic brings professional, well-trained mediators to our residents at no cost."

The Lodestar Mediation Clinic is part of ASU Law's nationally recognized Lodestar Dispute Resolution Center, which advances the study and practice of negotiation, mediation and other approaches to resolving conflict through teaching, research and community service. The clinic gives law students the opportunity to move from the classroom into real-world mediation. Through the partnership with the City of Chandler, students will work under the guidance and supervision of experienced faculty and mediators, applying their training to real-world neighbor-to-neighbor disputes and developing practical skills in communication, negotiation and conflict resolution.

"This partnership gives our students the opportunity to put their mediation training into practice while providing a meaningful service to the community," said Art Hinshaw, clinical professor of law and director of the Lodestar Mediation Clinic at ASU Law. "By working with Chandler residents on real-world disputes, students develop the skills to help people communicate effectively, better understand one another's perspectives and work toward solutions together."

The program is designed to handle a wide range of neighbor-to-neighbor issues, including HOA conflicts, property maintenance issues, noise complaints and landlord/tenant disputes.

Residents interested in mediation can start the process by first completing an online mediation interest form at Chandler Neighbor Mediation. City staff will email the requesting resident an intake form and the other party involved in the dispute. Once both intake forms are received, the case is forwarded to the mediation team at the Lodestar Mediation Clinic. Mediation staff will then reach out to schedule a session.

For more information on mediation services or to submit mediation interest form, visit Chandler Neighbor Mediation or contact Neighborhood Programs at 480-782-4362.

About the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University:
The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, located in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and online, boasts more than 10,000 graduates, features a world-class faculty and consistently ranks among the nation's top 20% of all law schools by U.S. News & World Report. ASU Law offers students a personalized legal education and is committed to advancing the next generation of professionals through its JD, four master's and LLM degrees. Honoring its namesake, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, ASU Law embodies her legacy of integrity, innovation and dedication to public service. For more information, visit law.asu.edu.

Media contacts:
Stephanie Romero
Public Information Officer, City of Chandler
480-782-2231

Kourtney Kelley
Director of Strategic Communications and Media Relations
Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Arizona State University
480-965-6197