Michael Moffitt

Michael Moffitt is the Philip H. Knight Chair and Professor at the University of Oregon School of Law, affiliated with the Clark Honors College, Law-JD program, Law-CRES, and the Appropriate Dispute Resolution Center. As former Dean (2011–2017), he leads research in mediation, negotiation, and civil procedure. His seminal work includes The Handbook of Dispute Resolution and Dispute Resolution: Examples & Explanations, co-authored with leading scholars. Recognized with awards like the Dispute Resolution Advancement Award and the Fred C. Zacharias Memorial Prize, his scholarship bridges theory and practice in ADR. Moffitt’s teaching excellence is highlighted by the Herman Award for Specialized Pedagogy. Prior roles include clinical supervision at Harvard Law School, global dispute resolution consulting, and visiting professorships at Harvard. His research emphasizes mediator accountability, settlement ethics, and legal education innovation. Beyond academia, he is an avid snowboarder, tennis player, and hiker.

Education & Background

• JD (specific details not provided)
• Clerkship at a federal court
• Extensive international dispute resolution consulting experience

Research Focus
Moffitt’s work explores mediation ethics, settlement malpractice, and the evolution of ADR in legal systems. Key themes include the role of transparency in mediation, legal accountability for mediators, and pedagogical approaches to negotiation training. His articles critically assess procedural reforms and ethical standards in dispute resolution.

Publications Trends
Recent articles (2019–2025) emphasize settlement ethics and mediator liability, reflecting his focus on professional accountability. Earlier works address ADR integration into legal education and systemic reforms. His writing spans empirical studies, policy critiques, and practitioner guides.

Awards & Recognition

• 2023 Herman Award for teaching excellence
• 2022 Dispute Resolution Advancement Award (for Settlement Malpractice)
• Multiple best article prizes (2019–2020)

Grants & Advising
Moffitt’s grants include projects on transparency in mediation and ADR globalization. He advises on negotiation pedagogy and has mentored numerous students in dispute resolution studies.

Labs & Collaborations
Associated with the School of Law’s Appropriate Dispute Resolution Center, he collaborates on initiatives like the Mediation Accountability Project and Global ADR Standards research group.