By Dr. Charlene Berquist, Director, and Heather Blades, Associate Director

Denea Malone graduated in 2013 with a master’s degree in Communication and the Graduate Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution.

What is your current title or position? 

I am a Staff Attorney with Legal Services of Southern Missouri in Springfield, MO.

How did the certificate help prepare you for your current position?

The skills I obtained within the certificate program helped prepare me for high conflict negotiating, mediation, and difficult attorney-client conversations.

What was the most useful or impactful thing you learned in the certificate program?

The most impactful thing that I learned in the certificate program, specifically during mediation training, is that individuals and families know their situation better than anyone else (mediators, judges, attorneys, etc.). I try to keep this in mind while helping clients navigate potential solutions to their legal issues.

How did your experience with the conflict certificate impact you getting a job or your job search?

In applying to various law schools and then later, internships and full-time employment, I know that my conflict resolution background made me stand-out.