Donna Morris

Educational Background:
J.D. Law, Yale University
B.S. Psychology, Tufts University

Summary of Expertise:

• legal issues - employment law, discrimination, civil rights/civil liberties, civil litigation and appellate advocacy
• paralegal education and paralegals in the legal system
• dispute resolution - alternative dispute resolution (ADR) (use of methods other than traditional court-based process to resolve disputes), ADR in the courts, mediation and negotiation

Current or Recent Research:
Morris is currently studying the utilization of mediation and alternative means for resolving disputes and the impact of such alternatives on participants and the justice system. She is also engaged in a study of the victim-offender mediation program in juvenile court.

Books or Significant Articles Published:

•  "Choosing the Best Mediation Style," Connecticut Law Tribune. February 19, 2001.
• "Fair Management Practices: Employment Law Reference Guide." (1999).
• "Maintaining a Harassment-Free Workplace," training manual. (1998).
• "Preventing Sexual Harassment," training manual. (1998).
• "1996 Connecticut Employment Law Decisions" Eighteenth Annual Survey: Connecticut Labor And Employment Law Developments. Connecticut Bar Association Annual Meeting materials, June 1997
• "1995 Connecticut Employment Law Decisions" Seventeenth Annual Survey: Connecticut Labor And Employment Law Developments. Connecticut Bar Association Annual Meeting materials, June 1996

Current or Recent Professional Memberships, Activities or Awards:

• American Bar Association
• Connecticut Bar Association
• New Haven County Bar Association
• Association for Conflict Resolution
• American Association for Paralegal Education
• past vice chair, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) section of the Connecticut Bar Association and current executive committee member of ADR Section.
• "Restorative Justice", presentation to Connecticut Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, February 27, 2007
• "Negotiating Attorney's Fees," paper presented at Connecticut Bar Association CLE Seminar, "Crafting Settlements: Tools and Rules," also convener and moderator for this seminar, November 4, 2005
• "The U.S. Constitution and The Rule of Law: Function and Need," panelist for Constitution Day Program, taped for WNHU radio on September 14, 2005
• "Bridging the Cultural Divide: Managing Conflict in the New Global Workplace," convener and moderator for symposium, University of New Haven, November 2004
• "Communication Skills in Paralegal Education," Seminar presentation at the AAfPE National Conference, October 2004
• "Children As Peacemakers: Peer Mediation in Schools," workshop presentation at University of New Haven Symposium: "Using Conflict Management To Prevent Violence In Schools," March 11, 2002

Specific Subjects or Issues Faculty Expert Can Knowledgeably Discuss:

• mediation, restorative justice (mediation, etc. in criminal law context) and ADR issues 
• rule of law issues
• American legal system in general
• paralegal education and paralegals careers; getting into law school/legal careers
• tension between security in age of terrorism and protection of civil liberties/Constitutional rights
• employment law (non-union), including sexual harassment issues

Courses Faculty Expert Teaches:
Introduction to Legal Concepts
Counter-terrorism and the Law
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Internship seminar
Negotiation and Mediation (graduate course in I/O psychology)

E-Mail:
ddmorris@newhaven.edu