About this ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Event

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Ombuds/ombudsman are confidential, independent, and impartial conflict management professionals in federal, state, and local governments; public and private companies; long-term care and assisted living facilities; higher education, K-12 education; and a variety of other organizations. Their roles and services are relatively unknown compared to other forms of dispute resolution such as mediation, arbitration, and litigation.

Ombuds help constituents navigate conflicts with the aim of resolving matters at the lowest level possible. They also serve as a catalyst for change by highlighting significant, sensitive, and controversial issues or trends safely and confidentially, which others cannot or will not.

Over the years, different ombuds models have emerged to best address a particular context. Some ombuds work with constituents who are external to their organization such as patients or customers, while others work with internal constituents such as employees or students. Some provide informal services while others investigate complaints or serve as advocates. The variety of ombuds models allows the role to adapt to the needs of the constituents; at the same time, it has created confusion and misunderstanding about, and among, the profession.

In 2018, the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution declared the second Thursday of October Ombuds Day. The goal of this annual recognition is to increase awareness and improve the understanding of the ombuds profession.

This year’s programs will discuss pathways to and through the profession. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from ombuds/ombudsman with a broad spectrum of experiences and explore past and future pathways to ombudsing.

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