ABA House of Delegates Endorses Organizational Ombuds Practices Act

The American Bar Association House of Delegates has adopted Resolution 503, endorsing the Organizational Ombuds Practices Act and urging states to adopt it. The resolution reflects decades of ABA engagement with Organizational Ombuds work and marks a significant step toward clarifying and protecting standards of practice. The next phase will be state-level adoption and, ultimately, codification of the Act in statute. 

Resolution 503 builds on the ABA’s long-standing recognition of Ombuds practice by articulating a clear legal framework tied to accepted professional standards. In particular, it advances protections when Ombuds operate within defined boundaries. For practitioners, the resolution affirms long-standing norms of practice. For organizations, attorneys, and courts, it provides clearer guidance about the role of Organizational Ombuds. 

The resolution was introduced by David Larson, delegate for the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution, with supporting remarks from Section Chair Liz Hill. Former Ombuds Committee Co-Chairs Meg Willoughby and Caroline Adams were present in support. The resolution reflects the work of a drafting committee led by Natalie Fleury, chair of the Ombuds Committee Legislative Action Task Force, and draws on years of collaboration within the Section and the broader Ombuds community. 

By endorsing the Organizational Ombuds Practices Act, the ABA underscores the role of Ombuds in preventing and managing conflict early, before disputes escalate into formal processes. Resolution 503 signals continued ABA support for ethical, effective dispute resolution and provides a foundation for stronger statutory recognition of Ombuds practice. [link to be provided]

Related posts: ABA Webinar to Spotlight Ombuds; American Bar Association Endorses Ombuds Again; ABA Panel Aims to Inform Corporate Counsel About Ombuds; Ombuds to Head ABA Dispute Resolution Section.