Commercial and Federal Litigation & Dispute Resolution Sections Joint Spring 2023 Meeting

Meeting brochure, agenda, speakers

Commercial and Federal Litigation Section Registrants, newly admitted attorneys, guests and Judges: Don't miss the presentation of the Robert L. Haig Award for Distinguished Public Service award to the Hon. Edwina G. Richardson-Mendelson on Saturday evening during the Gala Dinner!

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Group hotel room reservation link: https://group.curiocollection.com/jnoxqd 

Please use "Edit Stay" to modify arrival & departure dates if needed.

To reserve by phone, call 215-963-1500 and follow the prompts to make a new reservation, please provide the group code GCFLS.
There is only limited availability of rooms left in our block. If you are having any trouble booking a room, please contact Simone Smith at [email protected].

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Please review carefully: Once you click "Register", it will show you the following registration categories:

1) ATTORNEY REG: Commercial & Fed Litigation/Dispute Resolution 2023 Spring Mtg

Three fee categories for ComFed Section members ($830), non-NYSBA members ($995), and newly admitted attorneys ($415), all include the ComFed Saturday Gala dinner 
If you are not a ComFed member, non-NYSBA member, or newly admitted attorney and would prefer to attend the off-site dinner, please contact Simone Smith at [email protected].
2) DISPUTE RESOLUTION SECTION MEMBER: ComFed/DRS Spring 2023 Mtg
Dispute Resolution Section members, does not include the Saturday ComFed Gala dinner, DRS members will have a dinner off-site ($655.00) 

3) SPOUSE/GUEST: Commercial & Fed Litigation/Dispute Resolution 2023 Spring Mtg
Spouse and guest fees, does not include CLE but does include both receptions and both dinners ($295.00)

4) CHILD (13-18): Commercial & Fed Litigation/Dispute Resolution 2023 Spring Mtg
Children ages 13-18, includes breakfast, lunch, and children's activities ($170.00)

5) CHILD (7-12): Commercial & Fed Litigation/Dispute Resolution 2023 Spring Mtg
Children ages 7-12, includes breakfast, lunch, and children's activities ($135.00)

6) JUDGE REG: Commercial & Fed Litigation/Dispute Resolution 2023 Spring Mtg

Judges attend free of charge

7) JUDGE GUEST: Commercial & Fed Litigation/Dispute Resolution 2023 Spring Mtg

Judge's guests attend all meal functions at a discounted rate ($200.00)

8) SATURDAY GALA DINNER ONLY: Commercial & Federal Lit and DRS 2023 Spring Mtg

Dinner ticket for Saturday evening's ComFed flagship Gala Awards Dinner ($195.00)
If you are interested in purchasing an entire table for the Gala Dinner ($1,495 for ten seats), please contact Section Liaison Simone Smith at [email protected].

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Attorneys in their first ten years of practice attend for only $415! You can choose this option once you click the "register" button. If you need assistance, please contact our Member Resource Center team at 800.582.2452.
Please note: Once you click the "register" button, you will see all of the registration options, including guests, children, single and group table reservations, etc. Non-CLE activities will be posted as soon as they are contracted. Meal options will be emailed to all attendees once they register.
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AGENDA
Please note that there may be minor changes posted. To find full agenda and speakers, please check the link at the top of this page.

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Friday, May 5, 2023
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Registration | Monticello Foyer
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Evening Welcome Reception, followed by joined Commercial and Federal Litigation and Dispute Resolutions Sections dinner. All registrants and their guests welcome!

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Saturday, May 6, 2023
8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Registration, Continental Breakfast, Visiting with Exhibitors | Ballroom Foyer 
8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Welcoming Remarks
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CLE Programming | Ballroom South 

9:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
The Litigation-Arbitration Debate

A discussion among corporate in-house counsel, judges, former judges who have become ADR practitioners and private litigators regarding the advantages, disadvantages and other considerations that inform the decision to litigate in court or to engage in arbitration.  

This two-part panel will include first a presentation regarding the characteristics of arbitration that lead in-house counsel to select it, such as the flexibility, efficiency and confidentiality afforded by arbitration, the potential restrictions on the scope of discovery, and expense saving. 

The second part of the panel will address the characteristics of in-court litigation and the circumstances under which an in-house counsel might select court litigation over arbitration, such as the desire to make “good law” in the “right” cases, the ability to dispose of a case by motion, the right of appeal, and the benefits that public filing and open court proceedings may bring in certain circumstances.   

1.0 Credit in Areas of Professional Practice; 0.5 Credit in Skills

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10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
THERE HAS TO BE A BETTER WAY: Changing How We Practice to Obtain Professional Satisfaction 

Numerous factors can drive attorneys, particularly litigators, to leave the practice of law: dealing with a demanding familial situation, caring for an aging parent or a young child, frequent travel, lengthy trials or arbitrations, the demands of business development, long hours, and relentless stress.  

This panel will comprise a candid and thorough discussion of how litigators at all stages of practice can create a working atmosphere that embraces diversity of all kinds and promotes workplace integrity and professional satisfaction.  The panel will discuss the structural and cultural changes law firms can make to keep more practitioners engaged and productive, including effectively leveraging work-from-home policies and other benefits that promote a flexible working environment.  

The panel will suggest practical steps and professional development training that firms can provide to its litigators.

1.0 Credit in Law Practice Management
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11:30 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. 
Interactive Demonstration and Discussion of Virtual Oral Argument Platform by New York State Office of Court Administration 

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11:50 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.
Court-Annexed Mediation and Presumptive ADR

Perspectives from litigators and mediators on the types and nature of the mediation programs available in the U.S. District Courts in New York and the Commercial Division of the New York State Supreme Court.  

The discussion will include an overview of the mediation referral process (and tips for navigating the various courts programs), issues to consider in the selection of the mediator, how to effectively prepare and participate in the mediation, and strategizing next steps if the mediation is unsuccessful.  

The panel also will delve into the practical and strategic advantages and disadvantages of early mediation.

1.0 Credit in Skills 
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1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Lunch | Stenton Terrace 

2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: Afternoon Activities

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Joint Evening Reception | Stenton Terrace (Weather Backup: Mount Vernon Foyer)
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Gala Dinner and Presentation of the Robert L. Haig Award for Distinguished Public Service award to the Hon. Edwina G. Richardson-Mendelson (Commercial & Federal Litigation Section members, newly admitted attorneys, NYSBA non-members, Judges, and their registered guests) | Stenton Terrace
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Dispute Resolution Section Off-site Dinner | Harper's Garden Restaurant, 31 South 18th Street
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Sunday, May 7, 2023

CLE Programming | Ballroom South

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Litigating, Arbitrating and Mediating for High Profile Clients 

A discussion of how litigation poses particular challenges for clients in the public eye (both individuals and institutions), and whether the practitioner should consider arbitration or mediation as an alternative to litigation.  

This panel will address the considerations involved in these representations, including the heightened measures that may be necessary to protect confidentiality, what to do when the press is involved (and how to manage your client’s reputation in the court of public opinion), preventing jury bias and the role that ADR can play in ensuring a confidential and fair outcome for your client. The panel also will discuss how these issues are applicable to all clients.

0.5 Credit in Areas of Professional Practice; 0.5 Credit in Ethics

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10:00 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.
Break

10:10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Artificial Intelligence in Litigation, Arbitration and Mediation

An exploration of the ways that artificial intelligence (AI) can facilitate effective litigation strategy, and instances where it may not further your client’s interests. The panel will consider the role of AI-enabled software and other technologies in litigation, arbitration and mediation and the impact of AI on cybersecurity, privacy and data security.

Learn about the uses (and potential pitfalls) of AI tools like Chat GPT and online AI-assisted dispute resolution. The panel also will consider the ethics of AI and how client information and confidences can be maintained appropriately when using AI-based technologies. 

1.0 Credit in Cybersecurity; 0.5 Credit in Ethics

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11:30 a.m.: Closing Remarks and Adjournment
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Thank you to our sponsors!

Remote Legal

Withum

Counsel Press

JAMS

If you are having any trouble registering or logging into your NYSBA account, please contact our Member Resource Center at 800-582-2452.

Destination Meetings with hotel cut-off dates have the following cancelation policy:
Cancellations received before the hotel cut-off date (April 13)-100% refund

Cancellations received between the hotel cut-off date (April 13) and 5 days before the scheduled event date-50% refund

Cancellations received less than 5 days before the scheduled event date-No refund