FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2020
DeKalb Magistrate Court Partners with Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School to Launch a New Online Dispute Resolution Program in Response to COVID-19
As COVID-19 remains a threat in Georgia, DeKalb County Magistrate Court Chief Judge Berryl A. Anderson continues to implement innovative approaches in protecting the health and safety of the public and her employees. People in DeKalb County now have the opportunity to resolve small claims cases, those with $15,000 or less in dispute, more quickly and efficiently online. Instead of having to go to court, individuals can access the DeKalb County Magistrate Court using their smartphone, tablet, or computer. The court has extended access to the court 24/7, from anywhere, anytime. The Online Dispute Resolution (“ODR”) program enables persons with small claims cases to settle the matters without taking off work, finding childcare, paying for parking, or even leaving their home.
More than 20,000 small claims cases are filed each year in DeKalb Magistrate Court. For each one of these cases, the Uniform Magistrate Court Rules require the parties to attempt a resolution of the dispute. In the past, a judge would send the parties out into a crowded hallway to discuss settling the dispute before trial. Now, with the current danger from COVID-19, this new program provides a safe method for parties to follow the mandatory Magistrate Rules on discussing settlement.
In another innovation to improve the court system, Chief Judge Anderson and the DeKalb Magistrate Court are partnering with Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in the endeavor. This collaboration will enable student volunteers who are State-certified mediators to gain experience in dispute resolution, while simultaneously serving the community. The Court has worked with John Marshall’s Dean, Jace C. Gatewood, and Dr. Bridgette E. Ortega, the Associate Dean of Career Services and Professional Development, in bringing law students into this new initiative. They have been instrumental in making this program a successful partnership. As the program continues, it may expand to become a full-fledged internship for students.
Judge Anderson said, “We are making history with the law school. I see the ODR program as a benefit to the public, the Court and the law school. The public benefits from this program that requires no time off work, no trip to the courthouse in Decatur, no face-to-face hearings. The law school can provide an opportunity for students to learn ODR and to help the community in resolving disputes. Altogether, the program offers a great advantage from the standpoint of cost, convenience, conciliation and community.”
Dean Gatewood and Dr. Ortega echoed these sentiments. Dean Gatewood explained, “As social distancing, stay-at-home orders, and other safety measures have rendered small group gatherings impractical or impermissible, DeKalb County’s Online Dispute Resolution Platform is the right solution at the right time. This innovative platform will allow so many people in underserved and underrepresented community’s access to the judicial system at a very crucial time in our nation’s history. I am extremely delighted that the students of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School will have an opportunity to participate in this innovative program and provide the citizens of DeKalb County much needed access to the legal system.”
In response to her involvement with the ODR program from conception to implementation, Dr. Ortega remarked, “We at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School are delighted to be a part of this groundbreaking project of DeKalb County Magistrate Court which demonstrates its commitment to justice and the people.”
Persons with small claims cases in which an answer has been filed will be sent an order notifying them they are required to attempt ODR. They will be given instructions on how to register and asked if a party needs a translator and if so, the required language. If the parties do not settle their case through ODR, the case will be placed on a trial calendar.
For more information, please visit the DeKalb Magistrate website: www.dekalbcountymagistratecourt.com.
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Photos attached: DeKalb Chief Magistrate Judge Berryl A. Anderson, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Dean Jace C. Gatewood, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Associate Dean of Career Services and Professional Development Dr. Bridgett Ortega.
