CNDR Director Purcell Retires - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)

The Center for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution (CNDR) says goodbye to it’s longtime Director.

Emerita Clinical Professor and Former CNDR Director Sheila Purcell

Emerita Clinical Professor, and now former Director of CNDR, Sheila Purcell retired on January 31, 2022, after almost 10 years leading the Center and teaching at UC Law SF.

Professor Purcell took over in 2012 and lead the Center to numerous awards, including the prestigious Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ADR Education Award, a position in the top ADR programs in law schools ranked by US News and World Report, and built CNDR’s international reputation as a leader in the creation of mediation programs.

Professor Purcell taught Negotiation, Mediation, Facilitation, and Dispute System Design at Hastings, including co-launching the International Court ADR Institute, which draws international judges and lawyers from around the world. She has consulted and presented nationally and in Bosnia, China, Hong Kong, Italy, India, Morocco, the Netherlands, Singapore, Slovenia, and Uzbekistan, in addition to regularly speaking at the ABA’s annual Dispute Resolution Conference. Professor Purcell oversaw high student engagement with approximately one-third of all students participating in a dispute resolution course annually, mastering their skills through the Mediation Clinic, the ADR Externship Program, and the award-winning Mediation and Dispute Resolution Team. Thank you Professor Purcell for the transformative work you have done at Hastings, and best wishes in retirement. You will be missed.

In honor of Professor Purcell’s contributions, friend and longtime CNDR collaborator Leslie Airola-Murviet has seeded an ADR Scholarship in Professor Purcell’s name. Questions about the scholarship to Eric Dumbleton, Chief Development Officer, UC Law SF. Learn more and donate now!

Sheila Purcell ADR Scholarship

Associate Dean for Experiential Learning and Clinical Professor of Law, Professor Gail Silverstein:

“Sheila, through her education and programming work, did many small acts and inspired others to engage in many small acts. These are not splashy acts that end up in news stories like high stakes litigation. More importantly, she has quietly and persistently worked to changed legal culture and inspired others to join in. Her programs allowed youth to engage.

Sheila worked by establishing, nurturing, and prioritizing a myriad of personal, collaborative relationships. Sheila brought kindness, compassion, and humanity to her business.”