UNLV Boyd School of Law Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution

08/22/2026

Highlights from the 2026 Beecroft Lecture featuring Jennifer Lackey

We were privileged to welcome Jennifer Lackey to Boyd Law for this year’s Beecroft Lecture! Her talk, "The Right to Be Known," challenged us to re-examine how our legal institutions evaluate testimony, credibility, and human agency, particularly for those impacted by the criminal justice system.

Thank you to Professor Lackey and everyone in our academic community who joined for this remarkable evening of scholarship and dialogue.

Catch up on the full article: https://law.unlv.edu/news/right-to-be-known-jennifer-lackey-2026-beecroft-lecture

08/17/2026

Mastering the Art of Resolution: Spring 2026 Lunch & Learn Series

Whether in the courtroom or around the negotiating table, knowing how to resolve conflict effectively is one of the most critical skills a lawyer can possess.

This past spring, our Lunch & Learn sessions brought students and expert practitioners together for engaging discussions on mediation, negotiation, and strategic dispute resolution. Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared their expertise with our future legal leaders!

Catch up on all the highlights from the series here: https://law.unlv.edu/news/mastering-art-of-resolution-spring-2026-lunch-learn

08/12/2026

Shared Stories, Healing, and Truth-Telling at the Barrick Museum

Beyond legal briefs and courtrooms, true advocacy begins with listening. Students, faculty, and community members gathered at the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art for an inspiring event centered on truth-telling, personal narrative, and collective healing.

Discover how this unique collaboration between art and community dialogue is creating space for important conversations and shaping compassionate legal leaders.

Read the full article here: https://law.unlv.edu/news/shared-stories-healing-storytelling-truth-telling-barrick-museum

08/06/2026

Celebrating Student Excellence at Boyd Law!

We are thrilled to highlight the impressive achievements of our students who continue to excel in regional and national competitions, publish meaningful legal research, and take on key leadership roles in our community.

Their hard work, courtroom skills, and commitment to service embody the spirit of Boyd Law.

Click the link to read about their latest wins and milestones: https://law.unlv.edu/news/students-shine-competitions-research-leadership

07/31/2026

Associate Director of the Saltman Center, Patrick Chapin, recently spoke with The Nevada Independent to offer legal insight into Nevada's state ethics laws and the rules surrounding former public employees transitioning into consulting roles.

Check out the full article to read his expert commentary: https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/after-ethics-case-why-did-north-las-vegas-hire-another-former-top-employee-as-a-consultant

07/29/2026

From Policy to Practice: How Karin Tidgewell is Bridging the Gap in Conflict Resolution

Long before stepping into a classroom at Boyd Law, Karin Tidgewell was navigating complex disagreements in the public policy world. Driven by a belief in the power of "sitting people together in a room and talking," she turned to law school to gain the legal expertise needed to drive systemic change.

Today, as a Research Associate for the Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution, Editor-in-Chief of the Nevada Law Journal, and a recipient of the 2026 Mentor of the Year Award, Karin is putting those principles into action every day.

Read more about Karin’s incredible journey and her community engagement work with the Saltman Center: https://law.unlv.edu/news/policy-to-practice-karin-tidgewell-conflict-resolution

07/24/2026

Join us for our upcoming Mediation Essentials course on August 10-14!

Ready to master the art of conflict resolution? Join us August 10–14 (8 AM–5 PM) for our dynamic, interactive Mediation Essentials course!

Taught by Associate Director of the UNLV Boyd School of Law Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution , Patrick Chapin, Esq., this comprehensive 40-hour training fulfills the requirements of most court-sponsored mediation programs. Whether you want to begin mediating legal disputes or simply want to better manage conflict in your professional and personal life, this course delivers the framework you need.

What you will explore:
Conflict theory and negotiation methods
Active listening, communication, and emotional de-escalation techniques
Mediation ethics, process, and procedures
"Hands-on" learning through real-world simulation exercises

Don't miss the chance to blend theory and practice with one of the best in the field. Secure your spot today: https://impact.unlv.edu/event/mediation-essentials/e808612

03/03/2026

Meet Aparna Polavarapu, the newest co-director of the Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution.

In a recent "The Interview" feature with UNLV, Professor Polavarapu shares her journey from studying neuroscience at MIT to becoming a leading voice in restorative justice and international law. She also discusses the importance of integrating restorative practices into legal education to change how we teach and practice law.

We are proud to have her leadership at the Saltman Center as we continue to explore innovative ways to address harm and build community.

Read more here: https://www.unlv.edu/news/article/interview-aparna-polavarapu

03/02/2026

02/25/2026