Myra Orlen

Myra Orlen is a Professor of Legal Research and Writing at Western New England University School of Law. She has taught at the institution since 1995 and served as Director of Academic Success Programs from 2011-2020. Her work focuses on legal writing instruction, academic support, and mediation practices.

• Co-Chair, 2015 Association of Academic Support Educators Conference
• Co-Chair, Legal Writing Institute Awards Committee (2016-2018)
• Mediator, Hampshire County Probate and Family Courts
• Consulting Mediator, Collaborative Resolutions Group

Education:

• B.A., University of Massachusetts
• M.Ed., Antioch University
• J.D., Northeastern University School of Law

Professor Orlen's research explores legal writing pedagogy, academic support strategies, and mediation techniques in family law. Her publications analyze implicit reasoning instruction, literary case study applications, and transitions to legal analysis. She has contributed extensively to The Second Draft journal.

Her scholarly work demonstrates expertise in:

• Legal education reform
• Contextual persuasion in legal writing
• Student writing evaluation
• Mediation program implementation
• Curriculum development
• Family law dispute resolution

Additional roles include:

• Law Clerk, Alaska Court of Appeals (Hon. Alexander O. Bryner)
• Staff Attorney, University of Massachusetts Student Legal Services Office
• Divorce mediation trainer
• Public interest legal education