The Ombuds Blog: ABA Program Examines Where Mediation Meets the Ombuds World

September 03, 2026

ABA Program Examines Where Mediation Meets the Ombuds World

The American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section will mark Ombuds Day 2026 with a virtual program exploring the connections between mediation and Ombuds work. “Options in Action: Where Mediation Meets the Ombuds World” will examine the shared skills and approaches of the two professions, as well as the ways different Ombuds models provide an “Office of Options” for those navigating conflict.

The October 8 program will feature conversations between ABA Dispute Resolution Section leaders and Ombuds practitioners, followed by live commentary from Alec Chapa, a housing and long-term care Ombuds, and Paul Sotoudeh, a classical and organizational Ombuds. Participants include Doug Mintz and Marcus Stergio; Ellie Vilendrer and Bathabile Mthombeni; Felicia Harris Hoss and Caroline Adams; Christopher Ernst and Ryan Smith; Cristina Blunt and Matt Ricke; and Lou Hockman and Meg Willoughby.

Ken Skodacek, former Co-Chair of the Ombuds Committee and Ombuds Day Subcommittee, will provide the welcome. The program will be held Thursday, October 8, at noon ET (9 a.m. PT). Registration is free and open to mediators, arbitrators, facilitators, attorneys, advocates, community leaders, aspiring Ombuds and ADR students. (ABA Events.)

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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

Some other variants include:

Brazil -- Ouvidor

Croatia -- pravobranitelji

France -- médiateur/defénseur

Germany/Austria -- Ombudspersonen and Ombudsleute

Italy -- difensore

Netherlands -- ombudspersoon

Norway -- ombudet

Poland -- Rzecznik

Portugal -- provedor

Russia -- омбудсмен

Spain -- ombudsman organizacional

Sweden -- studentombud

Switzerland -- ombudsmann

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September 03, 2026

ABA Program Examines Where Mediation Meets the Ombuds World

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