Lydia Nussbaum

Lydia Nussbaum is a Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Experiential Legal Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) William S. Boyd School of Law. She directs the Mediation Clinic and Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution, focusing on integrating practical ADR training into legal education.

• Education:
  • B.A. in History and Italian, Cornell University
  • J.D., University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law

Her research examines the societal impact of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), particularly its role in addressing systemic issues like foreclosure crises, school discipline reform, and medical malpractice. She analyzes how states leverage ADR mechanisms for public policy innovation and justice accessibility.

Recent publications explore topics such as mediator burnout, restorative justice in education, and ADR’s application in securitized housing markets. Her work appears in journals like the Fordham Law Review, Hastings Law Journal, and Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution.

Scientific Awards & Honors

• Hoffberger Clinical Law Prize
• Law School Alumni Association Prize for Character and Leadership
• Two Dean’s Scholarship Awards

Nussbaum has delivered presentations on ADR competency standards, legal needs assessments, and mediator training at national conferences including the American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section Spring Conference and AALS Annual Meeting. She also provides expert training to agencies like the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.