Who is David Dowling?
I grew up in Dublin, Ireland where divorce was illegal until 1997. Separation and divorce were never part of my culture or community. However, it troubled me that couples were forced to stay together. I watched family members and friends struggle in marriages with limited options. Fortunately, the laws have since changed in Ireland.
As a husband and father of four children, I understand the difficulties of marriage and parenting. As a mediator, I also know the importance of communication when facing problems within the family. Whether families stay together or separate, it’s essential that healthy communication is the foundation of any change. As an Irishman, I love connecting with people. I want to create an environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their stories and find strength and support.
After receiving my B.A. from Brigham Young University, I earned my JD from Chapman University School of Law. I worked for a couple of years, before earning a Masters of Dispute Resolution (MDR) from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and Pepperdine University School of Law. From 2009 to 2018, I was a Clinical Professor of Law and the founding director of the Mediation Clinic and Criminal Justice Dispute Resolution Clinic at the Chapman University Fowler School of Law. This diverse background provides me with a unique perspective on the legal and dispute resolution communities. I want to help clients transition into their new life, using my experience and education to guide them on their path.
Why I chose to work in mediation
From the first mediation class I took in law school, I have always known that mediation was the right path for me. While studying for my MDR at Pepperdine, one of my professors told me that I was natural mediator and I decided that I wanted to develop a career as a mediator. Over the years I have mediated a wide range of cases. Two key elements that always stand out to me, no matter the case, are relationships and emotions. Both drive and influence each mediation. This is especially true in family and divorce mediation.
As a mediator, I have the opportunity to help divorcing couples open the lines of communication and avoid the adversarial environment of court. Even today, when it seems easier to obtain a divorce, the process can be as daunting and difficult. I believe mediation provides an opportunity for couples to reduce and even eliminate the negative feelings associated with divorce. I have participated in mediations where couples have learned to communicate effectively and put the needs of their family first.
My community involvement
I am an adjunct professor with the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine’s Caruso School of Law. I also work as a consultant providing dispute resolution services for families of children with special education needs. Additionally, I train lawyers in mediation and negotiation skills across the US and Europe.