Title

Mediation Clinic has handled over 1,700 cases

Abstract

The School of Law's Mediation Clinic students have handled over 1,700 cases in Athens-Clarke County with a positive settlement rate of approximately 75% since the program began tracking data in 2008. More than 200 students have participated in the clinic and slightly more than two-thirds of the cases mediated involved landlord/tenant issues, where settlements typically involved agreements to remain in the unit and pay back rent over time or included voluntary moveout agreements, with additional time. During the Judicial Emergency Order in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic, local courts have not proceeded with evictions but when courts open back again for non-emergency cases, there are likely to be increased numbers of evictions filed. Mediation provides a way for landlords and tenants to work together to resolve issues favorably and avoid loss of income.

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