Every year I submit a program to the ABA Dispute Resolution Section, and every year when I get there I am flabbergasted by the breadth, depth, focus, energy and sheer numbers at the Annual Conference. My first was 1998, in Boston, and by now the thing has plumb gone wild. Under the inspirational leadership of Section Chair Homer La Rue, this year features some real dillies.
The International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (CPR Institute) has very seldom taken a position in amicus briefs or on pending legislation. But its Board of Directors recently posted a 22-page letter to the leaders of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees “to voice out concern over the Arbitration Fairness Act of 2009.” When the Sphinx speaks I guess we’d better listen.
My periodic attendance at the UIA’s World Mediation Forum, as well as the opportunity to attend the Chamonix Conference last April and the contacts and friendships I made while serving the CPR Institute for ten years, have all prompted the creation of a “Directory” of ADR organizations around the world.
This Directory is now posted at the host web site, www.BusinessConflictManagement.com, under the title “ADR Resources.” Read more »
I’m a 60-year old white guy, two years into the terrifying challenge of building a solo practice as a mediator/arbitrator. And the gist of this post is that more women and people of color need to be hired as neutrals.
I worked hard for this goal when I was Senior Vice President of CPR Institute, and served as Staff Liaison to the CPR Task Force on Diversity in ADR. And now, that prima blogger assoluto al mondo, Victoria Pynchon, has started a series of posts with her characteristic flair and logical power, pressing the issue. You Go, Girl! Read more »
