Dispute Resolution Section Fall 2024 Meeting

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Section Chair: Jill Pilgrim | Program Chair: William Crosby

AGENDA (subject to minor changes)

8:00 – 10:00 a.m.: General Registration and Breakfast

8:30 – 9:50 a.m.: Executive Committee Meeting (EC Members and Invited Guests)

10:00 -10:15 a.m.: Welcome and Opening Remarks by Section Chair

10:15 – 11:15 a.m.

Panel I

Practice Tips on Mediating Complex and Emotionally Charged Disputes

In these turbulent times, we will offer a panel of seasoned mediators who will offer their experience and tips for serving as a neutral in connection with challenging disputes where the emotional component can outweigh the substantive considerations.  

Panelists: 

Chris McDonald (Moderator), Mediator and Arbitrator, ADR Office of Chris McDonald

Carmen Rodriguez, Mediator, Special Master, Collaborative Attorney, Rodriguez Law and Mediation, PLLC

Damali Peterman, JAMS Mediator
Genesis Fisher, JAMS Mediator and Trainer

Steven Bierman, Arbitrator, Mediator, and Dispute Resolution Advisor, Bierman ADR LLC

1.0 Diversity

11:15 – 11:25 a.m. Break

11:25 – 12:25 p.m.

Panel II

Global Reflections: Critical Issues in International Arbitration

Panelists:

Sharmistha Chakrabarti, Counsel, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom (New York, U.S.A.)

Rekha Rangachari, Executive Director, NYIAC (New York, U.S.A.) (Moderator)

Sebastián Yanine, Partner, BES Abogados (Santiago, Chile)

Laura Yvonne Zielinski, Senior Counsel, Holland & Knight (Mexico City, Mexico)

Laura R. Zimmerman, Partner, Baker McKenzie (New York, U.S.A.)

1.0 Areas of Professional Practice

12:30 – 1:50 p.m.: Lunch

2:00 – 3:20 p.m.:

Panel III

A Discussion With the Providers: Adapting to AI and Other Changes

A discussion with representatives of major providers addressing how they are adapting to the changes presented by AI and the need to innovate to better serve their users.   

Panelists:

Noah Hanft (Moderator), Mediator and Arbitrator, AcumenADR LLC; Former Chair of the NYSBA Dispute Resolution Section

Serena Lee, President & CEO of the International Institute of Conflict Prevention & Resolution · CPR Institute

Todd Saltzman, Vice President, Office of Dispute Resolution of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

Diana Didia, SVP/ Chief Information and Innovation Officer

Alicia Jantsch, Senior Counsel, Privacy & Compliance · JAMS

1.5 Skills

3:20 – 3:30 p.m.: Brief Remarks re The Campaign for Greener Arbitrations

3:30 – 3:40 p.m.: Break

3:45 – 4:00 p.m.: Mediation Tournament Recognition

4:00 – 5:20 p.m.

Panel IV

Is Domestic Arbitration Too Much Like Court Litigation: If so, is There Anything That Needs to Change?

We will offer a panel of seasoned arbitrators and litigators to address whether domestic arbitration has lost the qualities that initially made it such a compelling alternative to court proceedings.  If the panel answers that question in the affirmative, they will next address whether this poses a significant threat to domestic arbitration.   

Panel:

Salman Ravala (Moderator), Partner, Criscione Ravala, LLP

Hon. Shira Scheindlin (ret.), Boies Schiller Flexner LLP

Martin Jackson, Partner, Sidley Austin LLP

David Berger, Partner, Allegaert, Berger & Vogel LLP

1.5 Areas of Professional Practice 

5:20 – 5:30 p.m.: Closing Remarks

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Reception