LLM student Mubarak Nurudeen recently presented at the 23rd International Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Forum in Montreal. The forum gathered thought leaders and innovators from around the world for a two-day assembly on the current state and future of ODR.  

Nurudeen presented on a panel titled “New Initiatives in Justice” with students from Montreal and Spain. His material focused on the potential of ODR for effective governance and conflict management in the metaverse.  

“There are disputes that are bound to arise from interactions in the virtual world,” explained Nurudeen. “The problem now is – what dispute resolution mechanism is most effective in these spaces?” Based on his extensive research, he recommended ODR as the most effective dispute resolution mechanism.  

Nurudeen first started looking into this topic for an assignment in Professor Sarah Cole’s class. When he heard about the chance to present, he fine-tuned his research further to align with the conference's theme.  

To prepare for his presentation, Nurudeen practiced in front of friends – some who did not even know about ODR – and asked for their feedback. He said it helped him make his presentation even stronger.  

“When you’re preparing for conferences, you are never an island,” he shared. “It’s important to reach out and get perspectives from other people.” 

The forum was also an opportunity for Nurudeen to meet and connect with other individuals working in ODR. With several of these new connections, he is developing the ODR Young Practitioners Network. The group will collaborate with the board of International Council for ODR on research, conferences, networking, and competitions. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing more opportunities for young people interested in ODR to connect,” he said.  

The recording of Nurudeen’s panel can be found on the forum’s website.  

More About Mubarak Nurudeen 

Nurudeen completed his first law degree at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 2019 and 2021, respectively. He gained valuable experience in the dispute resolution practice group at one of Nigeria’s prominent firms, Babalakin and Co., from 2021 to 2022. During this time, he provided guidance and managed disputes for diverse clientele, including international oil companies (IOCs), financial institutions, and telecom companies. He represented them before superior courts and both ad hoc and institutional arbitral tribunals. Nurudeen also provided advisory services to a Nigerian technological startup, DroitWare, in dispute management and regulatory compliance. 

Currently, Nurudeen is pursuing an LLM with specializations in corporate and finance law. He serves as a student legal researcher in the Office of Technology, Digital Innovation, and eLearning. In this role, he collaborates with the state authorization team to ensure compliance with federal, state, and professional licensing board regulations and laws that impact the institution’s out-of-state educational and licensure program under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).