Kelly Browe Olson

Kelly Browe Olson is an Associate Professor of Law and Director of the Mediation Clinic at the William H. Bowen School of Law, University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Her roles include teaching courses in Family Law, Mediation, ADR, and Domestic Violence, while overseeing a statewide Special Education Mediation project and contributing to the UA Little Rock Graduate Certificate in Conflict Mediation.

• Education:
  • B.A., 1989, Marquette University
  • J.D., 1992, University of Michigan
  • LL.M., 1997, Loyola University Chicago

Her research focuses on family dispute resolution, mediation in child welfare, domestic violence dynamics, and collaborative decision-making. She has authored/co-authored influential works such as Family Dispute Resolution: Process and Practice (Oxford, 2024) and contributed to policy guidelines like the ABA Model Standards for Family Mediation.

Prof. Olson is a nationally recognized speaker and trainer, serving on boards including the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission and the ABA Dispute Resolution Section. Her awards include the 2004 and 2013 Bowen Law Faculty Excellence Awards for Public Service.

• Professional Contributions:
  • Co-editor of Family Dispute Resolution: Process and Practice (Oxford, 2024)
  • Founder of the UA Little Rock Conflict Mediation Certificate Program
  • Advisor to Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts on juvenile mediation projects

Her advocacy extends to improving legal processes for vulnerable populations, emphasizing family engagement and ethical mediation practices.