Shameless Commerce Department
I hope that those attending the ABA Dispute Resolution Section meeting in San Francisco will consider attending the panel at 4:30 Thursday April 8 titled “Gazing Into the Crystal Ball: What Will ADR Be Like in 25 Years?” The speakers are deeply informed and imaginative. They include Michelle Leetham of Bechtel, Janet Kloenhamer of Fireman’s Fund, Jay Folberg of JAMS/USF, and Colin Rule of Ebay/PayPal.
During prep sessions it has been difficult to restrain the good humor, lacerating wit, and sheer brilliance of these folks. They have spent their lives devising ways to anticipate and then manage disputes, and have a lot to say about what might lie ahead.
Twenty-five years ago people were plugging phone lines into “home micro-computers” and bemoaning Cravath’s setting $60,000 as a starting salary. I hope that, 25 years hence, ADR processes that commence with the filing of a complaint or demand will be considered quaint. Anyway, do join them — you won’t regret it.