After completing the intensive Mediation Theory and Practice Seminar, Sydney Schuster ’26, externed with the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division during her final semester of law school. Her training at Maryland Carey Law helped her to launch into the mediator’s chair. Within a few days at the office, she quickly moved from observing mediation sessions to serving as the mediator. By the end of her externship, she mediated approximately 30 cases and strengthened her skills as a mediator.
Sydney described the externship as a “crystallizing” capstone to her ADR coursework, allowing her to apply the theory and skills she learned in law school to real-world practice. Not only did she strengthen her identity as a mediator, but she also learned to navigate both successful and unsuccessful resolutions—an inherent part of mediation, and legal, practice. Supported by strong mentorship at the Consumer Protection Division, Sydney gained valuable insight into the realities of dispute resolution, including working with diverse populations and addressing common communication barriers and challenging party dynamics.
Sydney’s externship satisfied the experiential learning requirement for the Dispute Resolution Track and deepened her commitment to resolving conflicts outside of the courtroom. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career in environmental law, where she will apply her ADR skills in both professional practice and volunteer service.
We look forward to the meaningful contributions she will make to the field.