The Atlanta Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section has sponsored the Edward J. Henning Memorial Award for many years. This is a cash award given to an outstanding ADR student at each of the state’s five ABA-accredited law schools: Emory, Georgia, Mercer, Georgia State, and John Marshall. These awards are given in memory of Ed Henning, one of the “founding fathers” of mediation in Georgia.
Ms. Doraly Blanton, a 2nd-year law student, was named as the award recipient for Georgia Law School. Doraly is a Hispanic/White 1st generation law student from Canton, Georgia. She attended UGA undergrad, graduating with a degree in International Affairs and minors in Sustainability and Russian. This summer, Doraly will work with Swift Currie in their Atlanta Office doing civil litigation work. She hopes to practice civil litigation in Atlanta before eventually transitioning to mediation.
When asked what she has learned in her studies about mediation, Doraly said, “…the biggest thing I’ve learned is that people, no matter how embroiled in conflict, value self-autonomy and can gain something from mediation, whether it be a solution or a better understanding of the other party’s position. As the oldest of 4 children, I have worked as a professional listener and problem-solver my whole life, and people in my mediations simply want their position to be respected and considered. To me, mediation is a natural process of human communication, and it allows parties to work through their conflicts in an affordable, accessible, and self-sufficient manner. Mediation can serve as a wonderful venue for focused communication and value-based conversations where outside distractions and influences may have impeded a solution before.”
Henning Mediation congratulates Ms. Doraly Blanton on this special accomplishment. Henning Mediation & Arbitration Service is a family-owned and operated dispute resolution group that has served Atlanta and the state of Georgia for the past 25+ years. A third-generation organization, clients count on Henning for a smooth, inviting, and reliable mediation process that fosters successful resolutions.