AAA - Suffolk ODR Innovation Clinic

The American Arbitration Association (AAA®) and Suffolk University Law School are proud to partner on the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Innovation Clinic. The partnership aims to transform access to family law dispute resolution for underserved communities by creating an accessible, digital process for low-contest divorces and family law matters in Massachusetts.

Logo for the America Arbitration Association® and their International Centre for Dispute Resolution®


Addressing Critical Needs with Innovative Approaches

The ODR Innovation Clinic targets a pressing issue in the legal system: the growing number of unrepresented litigants in family law cases. These individuals, often from low- and moderate-income backgrounds, struggle to navigate complex court procedures, which often leads to rejected court filings, personal stress, case backlogs, and strain on court resources. The clinic plans to develop and deploy a suite of user-friendly digital tools, including:

  • An intuitive ODR platform for divorces and related matters
  • Interactive guided interviews and “smart” court forms
  • A virtual mediation component
  • AI-powered guidance for the public

Central to the clinic’s approach is its emphasis on community input. The project will engage court system users, legal services providers, courts, and ADR experts to ensure that the developed tools meet community needs and integrate seamlessly with existing Massachusetts court processes.

The ODR Innovation Clinic is set to run for three years, with plans to beta test and launch the new platform in Massachusetts. The framework developed has the potential for replication in other jurisdictions and could be adapted for legal issues beyond family law.
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“Our partnership with the AAA exemplifies Suffolk Law’s commitment to innovation in legal education and access to justice. This clinic will not only serve our community but also prepare our students to be forward-thinking legal professionals who can harness technology to solve real-world problems.”

Andrew Perlman
Dean of Suffolk Law