8:00 – 8:30 am
Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 – 8:45 am
Welcoming Remarks 
Extended by Jody Davis, Esq., CBA-CLE Program Attorney, and members of the planning committee

8:45 – 10:00 am
Mediation Ethics Panel

As in years past, the Ethics Committee of the Mediation Association of Colorado will offer a panel discussion of mediator ethics. Panelists will review fictional scenarios and give their opinions of the ethical issues practitioners should be mindful of if faced with similar circumstances in their mediation practice. Though not an exhaustive list, the following are areas that will likely be discussed by the panel:
•    Party autonomy and self-determination in mediation
•    Duty to disclose potential or existing conflicts of interest
•    Confidentiality
•    Advertising
•    Mediator competence and training
Moderated by Antonia (Toni) D. Ozeroff, JD, Ozeroff Mediation Services, LLC
Submitted for 1.5 Ethics Credit

10:00 – 10:10 am 
Morning Break

10:10 - 11:00 am 
Keynote Address

The Future of ADR: Integrating Human Judgment and Technological Innovation

In this session, we’ll explore how the field of alternative dispute resolution is evolving through the integration of advanced technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—while remaining grounded in the ethical principles and human wisdom at the heart of mediation. We’ll examine real-world applications of AI in intake, analysis, and facilitation, discuss the limits and risks of automation, and consider how technology can enhance—not replace—the role of human judgment in achieving fair, accessible, and efficient outcomes. This presentation will offer both a strategic and practical lens on building the future of ADR infrastructure with integrity.
Presented by Morgan Tregenza, Esq., levelheaded, inc.

11:05 am – 12:00 pm
ADR Practice Improvement: Reframing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity through Perspective-Taking Techniques

Wesley Parks and Melora Bentz have had the opportunity to sit in roundtables across the state, discussing, sharing, and listening to how others have experienced bias in the legal profession. Bias affects everyone in both positive and negative ways. Join Melora and Wesley for an informative conversation that explores what Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity mean, how they translate into our work, and how bias affects the everyone’s minds during mediation – parties, counsel, and mediators alike. The session will include: 1) useful tools to reduce bias, thereby creating a fairer process; 2) two engaging exercises, one to explore how our identities inform our thoughts and actions and a second exercise in which participants engage in perspective taking vs. “considering the opposite,” 3) an overview of where EDI competency appears in the Mediator’s Model Standards of Conduct; and 4) how to navigate the ethical standards provided in Model Rules of Professional Conduct when attorneys are representing clients during mediation while preserving the fairness of the mediation process.  
Presented by Melora Bentz, Esq., Middle Path Mediation, LLC, and Wesley Parks, Esq., Adjunct Professor, University of Denver - Sturm College of Law, and Assistant Attorney General, Colorado Department of Law
Submitted for 1.1 EDI Credits

12:00 – 12:35 pm
Lunch (included in your registration)
CBA-CLE can provide vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options if attendees note their dietary needs during registration

12:35 – 1:35 pm
Round A Breakout Sessions
Choose from Breakout Session #1 or #2 during registration.

Session 1
Artificial Intelligence for Mediators and Arbitrators: Tools, Ethics, and the Future of Practice

This session explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the real-world work of mediators and arbitrators—and how it may transform our roles moving forward. Through a candid dialogue between a mediator/trial attorney and an arbitrator/trial attorney, we’ll examine how neutrals and participants are currently using knowledge-retrieval, generative, and predictive AI. We will consider where these tools offer meaningful support and where they raise concerns.
Particular emphasis will be placed on ethical standards and professionalism, including obligations related to confidentiality, data protection, competence, fairness, and informed process choice. Audience engagement through live polling and discussion will allow participants to reflect on both the promise and the pitfalls of integrating AI into their practice systems.
Participants will leave better prepared to make intentional decisions about if, when, and how to integrate AI tools into their roles as mediators and arbitrators.
Presented by Paul H. Schwartz, Esq., Shoemaker Ghiselli & Schwartz LLC, and Andrew R. Shoemaker, Esq., Shoemaker Ghiselli & Schwartz LLC
Submitted for .3 Ethic/Professionalism Credit

Session 2
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Colorado Law on Mediation

What is the statutory and case law framework for Colorado mediations? What are the key court cases? When do you really have an enforceable mediation settlement? What parts of mediation are confidential? A helpful and practical session!
Presented by Steven C. Choquette, Esq., JAMS  

1:35 – 1:45 pm
Session Transition

1:45 – 2:35 pm
Round B Breakout Sessions
Choose from Breakout Session #3 or #4 during registration.

Session 3
Attention: What it is, and How it Impacts the Mediation Process

Attention has been getting a lot of, well, attention lately, mostly associated with the impacts of technology, social media, etc., on our ability to “stay with” any task.  This is not new, though, nor is it unique to modern technology.  This session will begin with a discussion of what attention is and it will include a discussion about ways mediators and advocates can improve their ability to maintain attention during a mediation and spot inattentiveness in mediation participants.
Presented by Kevin J. Kinnear, Esq., Circuit Mediator, United States Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit

Session 4
The Three Judicial Perspectives of a Domestic Relations Case

In this presentation the audience will hear from a Family Court Facilitator, a District Court Magistrate and a District Court Judge on their respective perspectives and experiences when handling domestic relations cases. The Family Court Facilitator (FCF) is very often the first point of contact and the first to inform the parties/counsel of the requirement and importance of mediation. The FCF also has the most contact with pro se parties and thus has particular insights into this experience. The District Court Magistrate primarily hears temporary orders issues and is often the first judicial officer to have contact parties in crisis regarding parenting time, domestic abuse and temporary protection orders. The District Court Judge primarily hears permanent orders and often conducts pretrial conferences, appoints Special Masters or other professionals that might impact mediation or require additional mediations.
Presented by Rebekah Brown, Esq., Family Court Facilitator Domestic, 23rd Judicial District; The Honorable Megan M. Brewer, 23rd Judicial District Court Magistrate, and The Honorable Robert R. Lung, 23rd Judicial District Court Judge

2:35 – 2:45 pm
Session Transition

2:45 – 3:45 pm
Round C Breakout Sessions
Choose from Breakout Session #5 or #6 during registration.

Session 5
Smart Resolutions: Leveraging AI in ADR Decision-Making, Advocacy, and Administration

This session explores how AI tools are currently being integrated by ADR administrators, neutrals, and advocates to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and fairness. Attendees will gain insights into emerging technologies such as GenAI tools for practitioners and neutrals, ADR administrator-led AI integration, AI-assisted mediation platforms, predictive analytics, prompt engineering, and ethical frameworks for responsible AI use. Real-world applications and demonstrations will highlight both the promise and the practical challenges of adopting AI in ADR settings.
Presented by Miles D. Orton, Esq., Wheeler Trigg O'Donnell LLP; Alisa Bacon Sullivan, Director of ADR Services, American Arbitration Association; and Julie M. Walker, Esq., Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe, PC

Session 6 (In-person only)
Taking the Reins: When is it OK to Be Directive in Mediation?

As mediators, we are neutral. The mediation, and any resulting agreement, belong to the parties. Still, the mediator’s role is to help the parties reach an agreement satisfactory to both (or all) of them. A question we frequently face is: when—and how—do we become more actively engaged in the process itself?
Three Common Scenarios:
•     A simple case might be sharing examples of what other parties have done in similar situations: (e.g., parenting time for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day or other holidays).
•     Legal advice vs. “common sense” advice or “real world” experience—how do we provide insight or guidance without crossing the line?. (e.g., “the standard for warranty of habitability can be hard to meet”, or “that is a great deal, you should strongly consider it”)
•     What is the threshold for legitimate participation? Good faith vs. a party looking for a rubber stamp: can (and should) mediators enforce legitimate engagement?
Presented by Fern O'Brien, Esq., O'Brien Law, P.C. and Morgan O'Brien, MBA, O'Brien Law, P.C.

3:45 – 4:00 pm
Afternoon Break & Reception Kickoff 
Enjoy a beverage and a snack as you head into our final session. The reception continues afterward.

4:00 – 5:00 pm
Round D Breakout Sessions
Choose from Breakout Session #7 or #8 during registration.

Session 7 
From Litigation to Listening: Rethinking Attorney Mindsets in Mediation

Drawing on over 25 years of experience and more than 1,000 mediations, including high-stakes disputes involving employment, education, discrimination, and sexual misconduct, former federal mediator Andres Ramirez introduces an intuitive alternative to the traditional IRAC framework. While attorneys are trained to spot legal issues and advocate through logic and precedent, successful mediation requires a shift toward human-centered resolution. This session presents the LIST method (Listen, Identify Interests, Seek Solutions, and Tailor Agreements) as a practical, adaptable framework for mediators and advocates alike. Through real-world scenarios, emotional insight, and concrete strategies, participants will learn how to shift argument to resolution, explore emotional intelligence in conflict, and reframe entrenched positions. Whether you mediate or represent clients, this session equips you with practical strategies to resolve disputes more effectively, especially when legal tools alone are not enough.
Presented by Andres Ramirez, Andres A. Ramirez Mediation LLC

Session 8 (In-person only)
Pardon the Interruption (Debating Shuttle Diplomacy and Joint Session only Styles)

This program will be highly interactive and contain appropriate humor, and is based on the long running ESPN show, "Pardon the Interruption," where the hosts take opposite view on topics. Here, the presenters, Wes and Jennifer, will debate different mediation styles and take point, counterpoint positions on scenarios posed to debate the discussed styles. Then, they will let the audience take over the debate and whiteboard responses. In tandem, there will be a visual Prezi presentation that will highlight many of the different topics as to the styles debated. Also, the presenters are planning to have two experienced mediators, who use different styles, join via virtual platform (if possible), as if they were guests on the show to chime in on the topic up for debate. The visual presentation will clarify the styles, the pros and cons, the advocates for the styles, those who advocate for a hybrid of the styles, and place a great emphasis on the overall process of mediation. As the presenters debate, they will be prepared to use appropriate humor in debating the topics. The point, counterpoint debate between the presenters is used to facilitate a high level of audience participation.
Presented by Jennifer Arnett, Esq., Rocky Mountain ADR and Arnett Litigation, LLC, and Wes P. Wollenweber, Esq., ReSolve ADR Group and Jachimiak Peterson Kummer, LLC

5:00 – 5:30 pm
Adjourn and Continued Reception
Reception provided by The Mediation Association of Colorado