ABA Section on Dispute Resolution conference April 3-6, 2013

Below are the topics having to do with technology and ODR that will be presented at the American Bar Associatin Section on Dispute Resolution meeting in April in Chicago.

1. The ADR in the Courts Symposium on April 3, 2013

Building an Online Justice System: ODR and the Courts
9:45 AM – 11:00 AM

Ethan Katsh, National Center for Technology and Dispute Resolution


Jeff Aresty, Internet Bar Organization, Houston, TX


Darin Thompson, British Columbia Ministry of Justice, Victoria, Canada



Daniel Rainey, National Mediation Board, Washington, DC

The Future of New Technology in Court ADR - To Infinity and Beyond!
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM

Jim McMillan, National Center for State Courts, Williamsburg, VA


Colin Rule, Modria.com, San Jose, CA

2. Section on Dispute Resolution Meeting

Series B- Thursday, April 4 – 11:15AM-12:30 PM

Web-Based Interdisciplinary Dispute Resolution Environment (WIDRE)

This presentation demonstrates the value of a web-based secure technology tool set for planning, hosting and executing complex geographically dispersed dispute resolution sessions. Through access to secure virtual meeting rooms hosted “in the cloud” and multidisciplinary expertise, conflict management professionals can successfully collaborate using the power of the Internet, efficiently and profitably. This system accommodates the unique character of each dispute, the location of the parties, witnesses, documents and experts for an effective, efficient and successful process. The presentation consists of an interactive problem solving exercise and the demonstration of a collaborative approach to web based dispute resolution.

Larry Bridgesmith, Lipscomb University Institute for Conflict Management, Nashville, TN

Deborah Katz, Washington, DC


John Peters, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN


Daniel Rainey, National Mediation Board, Washington, DC

David Schumann, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Ross Sydney, Ross Sydney Defence & Aerospace Strategic Services Pty Ltd, Canberra, Australia

Series C – Thursday April 4, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Using Technology to More Effectively Manage Arbitration

Technology is changing the way business is conducted and can be used to manage arbitration more efficiently. This presentation will review techniques such as: online repository for the storage of common documents, electronic linking, bookmarks of exhibits, indexes and videotaped testimony; remote testimony using Skype/GoToMeeting or similar for all conferences which allows real time discussion and display. In addition we will look at search and retrieval of electronically stored information (ESI), special e-discovery masters, vendors and methodologies, discovery requests applicable to social media and the Cloud as well as how to address who pays for it all. Join us for a look into the evolving world of technology to find new ways of making arbitration more efficient.

Paul Burns, Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP, San Diego, CA

David Cox, American Arbitration Association, Phoenix, AZ


Mark Lassiter, The Lassiter Law Firm, Tempe, AZ

Series C – Thursday April 4, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

ADR in the Electronic Age

While some organizations such as eBay and PayPal offer on-line “mediation,” these are more of an auction format with offers and counter offers being communicated until compromise is reached. Telephone mediation has been presented to the ABA, but the Internet provides much more. Modern technology such as video conferencing, Internet chat, and others allows neutrals to hold arbitration hearings and conduct mediations involving complex issues with multiple parties who are geographically distant that can closely simulate a process with every one present.

Jessica Carter, Senior Advisor Mediation Practice, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Aukland, NA, New Zealand


Ana Gonçalves, La Jolla, CA

Series C – Thursday April 4, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Best Practices for Online Marketing Your ADR Practice

Building relationships is vital to developing your ADR practice. Although nothing is more important than meeting face-to- face to build relationships, this is becoming increasingly more difficult because of time and budget constraints. In this program the panel will discuss brand building, the importance of a consistent message and ways to integrate with online marketing programs. The program will also discuss the online avenues to help you build new relationships, and reinforce current ones, while measuring each interaction. The panel will look at LinkedIn, Twitter, personal websites and other places ADR practitioners must be visible in today’s marketplace. The panel will respond to the individual needs of the audience during the Q and A.

Michael Clark, American Arbitration Association, New York, NY

Steven Defontes, Big Idea Advertising, New York, NY

Concurrent Series F- Friday, April 5, 9:45 AM – 11:00 AM

Dispute Resolution & E-Discovery

Four editors and authors of the Westlaw book "Dispute Resolution and e-Discovery" will present their chapters and engage in an interactive discussion on current issues and developments in this cutting edge field. Topics include: keyword mediation, predictive coding, sanctions and litigation holds, e-discovery in arbitrations at JAMS, AAA, CPR, et al., and mediation and discovery. Panelists explore how use of different ADR processes offers ways to control cost, distraction, time and complexity in this burgeoning area of discovery. We also reflect on differences in information sought in discovery and the deeper, broader set of information pertinent to mediation and negotiation. This program is designed for neutrals and advocates alike.

Simeon H. Baum, Resolve Mediation Services, Inc., New York, NY

Steven C. Bennett, Jones Day, New York, NY


Daniel B. Garrie, Law & Forensics LLC, Los Angeles, CA


Yoav M. Griver, Zeichner Ellman & Krause LLP, New York, NY

Concurrent Series I – Friday, April 5, 3:00 PM – 4:15 PM

How Collaborative Technology Can Improve Your Mediation Practice

Bring your tablet, smartphone and laptop for a fun and interactive session! You need not be a technology expert to use online tools that improve process and outcome. During this fast-paced session, leaders in the field demonstrate the most useful software and services from the standpoint of a practitioner rather than a geek. You will be better able to understand, access, and utilize the right choices for your particular needs. Come learn which user-friendly technologies can effectively minimize cost and maximize effectiveness of your dispute resolution process. Presenters will offer clear next steps and resources that you can really use.

Edward Bantle, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Pittsburgh, PA


Lu-Ann Glaser, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Washington, DC


Miriam Nisbet, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, MD

Michael Wolf, Federal Labor Relations Authority, Washington, DC

Legal Educators Colloquium – Saturday April, 6 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

Teaching Negotiation Online: Better Than Face-to-Face?

Online instruction has been catching the attention of many academic institutions. Research suggests that some forms of online instruction produce better results than face-to-face instruction. While most online instruction formats replicate the lecture-oriented approach seen in most universities, some online courses are designed to teach in the experiential model typical of most negotiation and mediation courses. This presentation is designed to explore the ways that law schools can and could teach negotiation and mediation online. Specifically, the panelists will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online formats, opine on what future technologies will be available to improve teaching, and explore trends of teaching negotiation online in law schools.

Benjamin Davis, University of Toledo College of Law, Toledo, OH

David Larson, Hamline University School of Law, Saint Paul, MN

Sean Nolon, Vermont Law School, South Royalton, VT

 For the complete list of all sessions, please click here.