After receiving an invitation from Fowler Law alumni and twin brothers Turki Alshaalan (LL.M. ‘13) and Thamer Alshaalan (LL.M. ‘13), Professor David Dowling visited Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The brothers wanted Professor Dowling to visit their home country and speak to the law schools in Riyadh about mediation and dispute resolution.

Professor Dowling visited King Saud University College of Law and College of Law at Dar Al Uloom University. He met with the Dean and Presidents of the universities and gave classroom presentations about mediation. He also shared the work currently being done in the Fowler School of Law Mediation Clinic.

“It [Riyadh] was beautiful. The experience of meeting the people and understanding the cultural background of the students will help me in the classroom.” – Professor Dowling

Meeting with attorneys working in Riyadh was another priority for Professor Dowling. He shared information about the law school as well as mediation – what it is, why it is important and ideas to start programs there on mediation and dispute resolution.

Professor Dowling was also able to meet with families of other Fowler Law alumni while in Saudi Arabia. One of the students arranged for him to meet her mother and her family, which he thought was a great experience.

Since his return, Professor Dowling has been busy finishing up the semester and working with other programs but plans to stay connected with those he met during his travels. One professor invited him to come and teach a class in Riyadh. He hopes to teach a program about mediation and dispute resolution in addition to taking the professor up on his offer in Riyadh.

Learn more about the Chapman University Fowler School of Law Mediation Clinic

Learn more about the Chapman University Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Board