Mubarak Nurudeen Opeyemi, a legal practitioner, is committed to revolutionising dispute resolution through the advocacy of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR). With an LLM from Ohio State University and significant experience in both Nigerian and the U.S. legal systems, he is focused on integrating technology into dispute management to make justice more accessible, efficient, and affordable.
Mubarak believes leveraging digital platforms to resolve conflicts offers a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to traditional court proceedings. ODR addresses critical challenges such as backlogged courts and high litigation costs, which often hinder people from seeking justice. As a legal consultant at a Big 4 firm in New York, Mubarak has seen firsthand how technology can reshape dispute resolution. His work involves analysing disputes and providing innovative solutions to streamline the resolution process.
Mubarak is particularly passionate about using ODR to bridge gaps in legal access for underserved communities, where traditional justice systems are often out of reach. Many people struggle to navigate complex judicial systems or cannot afford the high costs associated with legal representation. With the use of ODR, Mubarak believes legal access can be democratized, enabling everyone to seek justice, regardless of their financial situation or location. Mubarak often emphasises his drive to change the legal landscape by saying “If you love what you are doing, you will be successful” – Albert Schweitzer.
Another significant issue he believes ODR can address is cross-border disputes. Differences in legal systems and languages create considerable challenges in resolving these conflicts. ODR platforms provide a standardized and consistent approach, allowing parties from different jurisdictions to engage in a resolution process that is efficient and fair for all involved. By embracing ODR, Mubarak envisions a future where individuals from all walks of life can seek and achieve justice without traditional barriers such as time, cost, or geographical limitations.He also stresses that for ODR to be effective, legal professionals must embrace the latest technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain. AI is becoming increasingly integral in predicting case outcomes and suggesting fair settlements..
He aspires to establish a legal consultancy firm specializing in international arbitration and ODR, particularly for cross-border disputes. This firm would cater to multinational corporations and governments, leveraging technology to resolve even the most complex disputes swiftly and fairly, fostering global trade and cooperation.
As Mubarak continues to drive changes that define the future of dispute resolution, his commitment to justice, innovation, and accessibility is setting the stage for a new era of legal practice, one where technology serves to democratise access to justice.
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