Listen Now

In this week's episode, host Juliana Rigato-Piekarski sits down with Michael Wildes and Mergime Kajtazi. Michael Wildes is an Adjunct Professor of Immigration Law at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Englewood, NJ Mayor, and the author of Safe Haven in America: Battles to Open the Golden Door, by ABA Publishing. Mergime Kajtazi is a licensed attorney in NY, Associate Vice President at Investcorp, and a war refugee from the Republic of Kosovo. She was temporarily a refugee, a domestic violence survivor, and is now an advocate for domestic violence survivors dealing with immigration issues.

What’s it like going from a zealous advocate in the courtroom to a steadfast neutral in mediation and arbitration settings? That’s the question we posed to today’s guest, Chris Keele. After more than three decades as a practicing attorney, Chris has joined JAMS as a mediator and arbitrator. He reflected on his journey and what he’s learned and is learning about dispute resolution in this episode.

In this week's episode, host Jason Harper sits down with leading arbitrators Dana Welch and Gary Benton to discuss the upcoming 2022 ABA Arbitration Institute. This episode explores the topics of getting started as an arbitrator, qualifying for panels, maintaining an arbitration practice, and the importance of being involved with different organizations. Finally, Dana Welch and Gary Benton share why people should attend the upcoming 2022 ABA Arbitration Institute. If you would like to register for the “2022 ABA Arbitration Institute,” please click the link below. https://web.cvent.com/event/64941597-fd0f-48cc-8b83-759067563092/summary

In this week’s podcast, Rekha Rangachari sits down with Steve Dunn, Principal at Steve Dunn Mediation and Mediator in the Charlotte Office of Miles Mediation and Arbitration, a seasoned mediator and litigator on FLSA Class and Collective Actions. The discussion explores issues unique to the management of class and collective actions (citing to the deeply regulated and statute-focused nature of the practice), pre-suit considerations for employers, the importance of timing in the success of mediation (NB: to mediate early and often), key tips for preparation in advance of mediation, and the state of case law regarding personal specific jurisdiction over nonresident consumer claims in the mass tort context. Tune in to learn more and connect with Steve directly at steve@stevedunnmediation.com. https://www.stevedunnmediation.com/

Listen to our latest podcast, “2022 ABA Arbitration Institute preview: Learning the Ropes from Case Managers: What You Need to Know” featuring David Tenner, Svetlana Gitman, and Aaron Gothelf. In this podcast, American Arbitration Association Panelist, David Tenner and American Arbitration Association Commercial Vice President, Svetlana Gitman discuss the upcoming “2022 ABA Arbitration Institute” with a special preview of their presentation, “Learning the Ropes from Case Managers: What You Need to Know.” The presenters also discuss the Arbitration Institute’s Practice Development Program and highlight the notable speakers who will be presenting at the program. Don’t miss your chance to preview what is sure to be a sold-out event. If you would like to register for the “2022 ABA Arbitration Institute,” please click the link below. https://web.cvent.com/event/64941597-fd0f-48cc-8b83-759067563092/summary

This episode covers a topic that deals with the youngest members of our mediation community and the future of our industry. Peer Mediation programs have been going on for years, but it’s been going on in the background of the mediation landscape. So today we’re going to shed a small bit of light on the programs that are bringing long-term benefits to their schools, neighborhoods, and families. For that discussion, host Jason Harper is speaking with Anne Sawyer and Dr. Pamela Kreiser.

Dan Berstein, a mediator with a Master’s of Science in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, discusses and analyzes the intersection between mental health and conflict or dispute resolution. He founded MH Mediate; a resource for conflict resolution practitioners to develop best practices and processes in developing organizational Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs that are accessible for and responsive to parties with diverse identities. As a person who lives with a mental health disability, Dan has personal knowledge of the unique issues that face many living with mental health challenges. He describes his experience working as a mediator, as a participant and a party to mediation, and techniques to empower conflict resolution professionals to lead with sensitivity and understanding, in part, through the avoidance of misguided assumptions. --------------------------------------- Renew your membership or join the Section at ambar.org/JoinDR!

In this podcast, current Executive Director of the International Ombuds Association (IOA), Chuck Howard charts a brief history of the Ombuds movement to focus the lens on the role of organizational Ombuds Programs and Committees within non-governmental organizations to multinational companies. Underscoring the sanctity of process, confidentiality, he dives into the 3 i’s of the Ombuds process: independence, impartiality and informality and previews case examples captured in his latest book, A Practical Guide to Organizational Ombuds: How They Help People and Organizations. Chuck wants to post the final, edited version on his website when ready and appreciates a preview — if that’s possible. --------------------------------------- Renew your membership or join the Section at ambar.org/JoinDR!

We have borne witness in the last several years to a troubling trend—high-profile, deadly shootings that often involve law enforcement or get captured in real-time on video and spread via social media. In those situations, the communities in which the shootings occur often feel like they’re coming apart at the seams. That’s where mediators from the Community Relations Service often come in—quietly, without much fanfare—to help communities heal. Grande Lum, former director of the Community Relations Service and the author of a book on the CRS, joined the podcast to chat about his work.

As we take the week off to celebrate Thanksgiving, please enjoy this episode from June 2020. Larry Schooler speaks with Lynn Rubinett on arbitrating the disciplinary actions of first responders. Our profession and work in mediation and arbitration spans virtually all professions and walks of life, including personnel decisions involving first responders. In this episode, we hear from veteran arbitrator, mediator, and litigator, Lynn Rubinett, whose practice includes the arbitration of disciplinary actions, suspensions, and firings of police, fire, and other public employees.

In this episode host, Caroline Stauffer, speaks with Merril Hirsh to discuss how to become a special master and the advancements to diversify the field. Merril Hirsh of Hirsh ADR PLLC in Washington, D.C. is a practicing ADR Professional, a lawyer with over 38 years experience, the Executive Director of the Academy of Court-Appointed Masters and the Chair of the Judicial Division Lawyers Conference Special Masters Committee. Learn more about Merril at https://merrilhirsh.com/ Interested in joining the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution? Learn more about our membership options at https://www.americanbar.org/groups/dispute_resolution/membership/

On this episode, host Caroline Stauffer sits down with lawyer and mediator Helen Winter and neuroscientist and physician Sebastian F. Winter. They share important lessons from their interdisciplinary work with refugee shelters in Germany over the last four years. The siblings co-founded the award-winning, Berlin-based non-profit organization R3SOLUTE with a mission to equip refugees in shelters and their local neighbor citizens with peer mediation-based alternative dispute resolution and mental health literacy skills. In this multidisciplinary bottom-up approach, termed psychosocial peer mediation (PPM), participants learn to effectively manage and prevent conflicts in their own communities and neighborhoods. The founders provide practical insights and best practices, with a focus on addressing existing challenges and opportunities in the field. Helen and Seb will present at an upcoming meeting of the Dispute Resolution Section’s International Committee. To join the committee and participate in the meeting, make sure you’re member of the Section. Join today at https://www.americanbar.org/groups/dispute_resolution/membership/. To learn more about joining committees visit https://www.americanbar.org/groups/dispute_resolution/committees_task_forces/. R3SOLUTE ON TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mYXhEYstVQ To learn more about R3SOLUTE visit https://r3solute.com/

In this episode, Rekha Rangachari sits down with Donna Serdula, an expert in sales, operations and training who has pioneered LinkedIn profile optimization and branding with diverse, global stakeholders. Principal, Founder and Owner of Vision Board Media, Donna shares her mission on how to “transform your future today,” through responding to her 4-point methodology, to build stronger resumes and CVs. Tune in to learn how to curate your best professional self on LinkedIn, complete with many tips + tricks (including Free LinkedIn Resources at https://www.linkedin-makeover.com/linkedin-resources/). View Donna’s bio at https://donnaserdula.com/ Interested in joining the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution? Learn more about our membership options at https://www.americanbar.org/groups/dispute_resolution/membership/

Join the ABA and NAM(National Arbitration and Mediation)for an engaging conversation with Hon. John P. DiBlasi (Ret.), former presiding Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York and now a top-rated arbitrator/mediator at NAM on Maximizing the Benefits of Arbitration in the Aftermath of Mass Filings. ABA Resolution Podcast Host, Caroline Stauffer, covers Judge DiBlasi’s transition from the bench to becoming a highly regarded neutral. The Judge also shares his insights on the recent press attention about mass arbitration filings in the Employment and Consumer ADR arena. Thank you to NAM for being a sponsor of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution 2021 Spring Conference. You can learn more about NAM at https://www.namadr.com/. Interested in joining the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution? Learn more about our membership options at https://www.americanbar.org/groups/dispute_resolution/membership/

Welcome to a new bar year! In 2021-2022, we will be bringing you relevant, timely, and thought provoking content on a monthly basis. Don’t forget to follow and rate us to receive notifications when a new episode is out! On the first episode of the season, we focus on the role of ombuds. Ombuds/ombudsman are confidential, independent, and impartial conflict management professionals. Their roles and services are relatively unknown compared to other forms of dispute resolution. Caroline Stauffer speaks to Ken Skodacek, Chair of the ABA Ombuds Day Subcommittee, Kristie Hirschman, recently retired State of Iowa Ombudsman, and Kate Burkhart, Alaska State Ombudsman, to learn more about the recognition of Ombuds Day which will take place virtually on October 14, 2021. You can find more information at www.OmbudsDay.com and register for the virtual event at www.ambar.org/ombuds2021. Interested in joining the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution? Learn more about our membership options at https://www.americanbar.org/groups/dispute_resolution/membership/

In this episode, our co-host, Kimberly sits down with Dr. Neal Lester of Project Humanities. Project Humanities is an Initiative with Arizona State University to bring individuals and communities to instill passion and knowledge of humanities study, research and humanist thought. Through the exploration of ideas and experiences, Project Humanities “facilities conversations across diverse communities to build understanding through talking, listening and connecting.” Thank you to Project Humanities for being a sponsor of the ABA Dispute Resolution Section’s Mediation Week on October 18-22, 2021.

Resolution’s newest host, Caroline Stauffer, speaks with Anne Goyette, Arbitrator, Mediator, and principal of Griffiths Goyette about strategic approaches to mediation.

In this episode, co-host Kimberly A. Cook sits down with Tom Hanrahan (arbitrator and mediator with TP Hanrahan Dispute Solutions in Manhattan Beach, CA), Elizabeth “Betty” Morgan (arbitrator and mediator with The Morgan Law Firm in Philadelphia, PA), Theo Cheng (arbitrator and mediator with the ADR Office of Theo Cheng, in Princeton Junction, New Jersey), and Juile Walker, (arbitrator with Julie Walker and Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe, PC in Denver, CO) to discuss everything from billing rates to marketing when starting an ADR career as an arbitrator or mediator. The guests, who have a range of experience as full-time ADR professionals, share their experiences and offer guidance for navigating a career in ADR.

Our guest today, Gary Doernhoefer, has thought about this issue from a number of angles. Gary is the founder of ADR Notable, a software platform designed for dispute resolution professionals. You can learn more about ADR Notable at www.adrnotable.com. One of the many dynamics magnified by the pandemic is the need to secure our data. We get a lot of it as neutrals, and we have to make sure it remains confidential and is safely discarded. For more on data security, visit Cybersecurity in International Arbitration, where you’ll find an excellent general checklist applicable to most ADR practitioners, and each section in the table of contents is clickable for more information. Thank you to ADR Notable for being a sponsor at the 2021 Dispute Resolution Spring Conference! Cybersecurity in International Arbitration https://cdn.arbitration-icca.org/s3fs-public/document/media_document/icca-nyc_bar-cpr_cybersecurity_protocol_for_international_arbitration_-_electronic_version.pdf

In this episode, we introduce you to one of our new hosts! Kimberly A Cook is a divorce and family mediator at Dovetail Conflict Resolution in Chicago, IL. Kimberly sits down with Mark Smalls of JAMS Mediation, Arbitration and ADR Services to discuss the broadening landscape of diversity, equity and inclusion in ADR as a result of the changes in technology and the social climate over the last year. Thank you to JAMS for being a sponsor at the 2021 Dispute Resolution Spring Conference!