Ten Things Lawyers Should Know About Ombuds, #2: The ABA Has Endorsed Ombuds — EngagingConflicts.com
This is one of Guest Blogger Ombuds Thomas Kosakowski’s posts in his series “10 Things Lawyers Should Know About Ombuds”, part of the Engaging Conflict’s Taking Peacemaking Public series. His Introduction and point #1 are posted here.
2. The ABA Has Endorsed Ombuds
The fundamental ethical guidelines for ombuds are the International Ombudsman Association’s (IOA) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. The first significant external commentary on ombuds practices came from the American Bar Association (ABA) in February 2004 when it issued “Standards for the Establishment and Operations of Ombuds Offices.” This marked the first time that another professional organization had examined and endorsed the role of ombuds. In response, IOA issued its own position paper in March 2006: “Guidance for Best Practices and Commentary on the American Bar Association Standards for the Establishment and Operation of Ombuds Offices.” The most significant difference between the IOA and ABA perspectives concerns the involvement of ombuds in matters potentially covered by labor and employment laws. IOA asserts that ombuds may address these issues unless specifically excluded. Otherwise, the ABA’s position is consistent with ombuds best practices. The ABA Standards thus gave the ombuds profession considerable validity in the legal community.
Tom’s series will continue next week.
