16th Annual Colorado ADR Conference Out of Stock
Dispute Resolution and Democracy
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Conference Co-Sponsors:
- Colorado Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Section
- The Mediation Association of Colorado
- Office of Dispute Resolution
Conference powered by CBA-CLE
Join us in-person or on our dynamic virtual platform, and dive into “Dispute Resolution and Democracy.” In a world full of change and innovation, our agenda is focused on promoting equity, diversity, and inclusivity, the future of dispute resolution, how business is changing, communication during crises, and practical skills. With a look at the future of ADR and the future of democracy, this conference will challenge your thinking, expand and improve your skills, and offer connection with colleagues.
- Keynote speaker, Colorado AG, Phil Weiser, on defending democracy
- The annual favorite ethics panel, brought to you by the MAC
- ADR professionals and experts in our community and around the world
Home studies will be available approximately 2-3 weeks following the live program.
For your own safety, the safety of others, and in an effort to provide everyone with the most rewarding in-person meeting and event experiences possible, we request that you attend a CBA, DBA, or CLE meeting or event only if you have been fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is up to personal preference and comfort level. Masks may be required in some clinic settings. Please be cognizant and understanding of others’ preferences and courteous to all attendees.
Depending on CDC and/or state or local health guidelines, a rise in COVID-19 cases, or other circumstances that may threaten the well-being of our attendees, CBA-CLE reserves the right to convert to a fully virtual event.
If disability accommodations or special assistance are needed, please contact us at [email protected]. Requests must be made at least two weeks prior to the scheduled program.
The program will be submitted for CLE accreditation in Colorado. If you need to seek accreditation in another state, please review the process and requirements for that individual state. CBA-CLE staff can provide a Uniform Certificate of Attendance, and it is the attendee’s responsibility to complete the accreditation outside of Colorado.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2022 SPONSORS!
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Sponsorship opportunities are still available! For more information, contact Melissa Higham, [email protected]
7:30 – 8:15 AM
Registration and Breakfast
8:15 – 8:30 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Defending our Democratic Republic
Our constitutional tradition calls on lawyers to serve as stewards of the rule of law. During this challenging time, we must take that role seriously, resisting the levels of political polarization enabled and encouraged by social media. At a time when there is decreasing trust, increasing polarization, and rising misinformation, our commitment to this tradition is more important than ever. To support this work, the Colorado AG’s Office has sponsored the Ginsburg/Scalia Initiative and the Unify Colorado Challenge. In his talk, Colorado Attorney General will discuss the threats to the rule of law and our democratic institutions, how the AG’s Office is responding to these threats, and what lawyers can do to defend our institutions.
Presented by Philip J. Weiser, Esq., Attorney General, State of Colorado
9:30 – 10:45 AM
Mediation Ethics Panel
As in years past, the Ethics Committee of the Mediation Association will offer a panel discussion of mediator ethics. Panelists will be presented with several fictional scenarios and will be asked to offer 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
All potential ethical issues raised are derived from both the Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators and the Colorado Dispute Resolution Act which will be included in the materials provided to the attendees .
Panelists:
- Jack Berryhill, Esq., Moye White LLP
- Rogelio Hernández-Flores, Beyond Borders Mediation
- Holly Panetta, Esq., Peak Empowerment LLC
Moderator: Antonia D. Ozeroff, J.D., Ozeroff Mediation Services, LLC
Presented by the Ethics Committee of the Mediation Association of Colorado
Submitted for 1.5 Ethics Credit
10:45 – 11:00 AM
Networking Break – Please visit our sponsors!
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Democracy Nurtures ADR/ADR Expands Democracy: The View from Ukraine and the US
Peaceful resolution of conflict is a pillar of democracy. Mediation thrives in countries with strong democratic institutions. It grows in emerging democracies. Mediation, and other forms of “alternative” dispute resolution, play important roles in nurturing democracy, no matter what the status of a nation’s democratic institutions. Values of openness, empowerment, self-determination, equality and tolerance are shared by democratic societies and ADR institutions within them. This session explores the symbiotic relationships between ADR and democracy in Ukraine and the US.
Presented by Michael J. (Mike) Maday, MSW, Resolution Resources of Colorado, Luiza Romanadze President, Ukranian Academy of Mediation and Svitlana Stadnyk, President of the Association for Family Mediators of Ukraine
12:15 – 1:15 PM
Lunch Break
Remarks from Conference Co-Founders
- Colorado Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Section and CBA/DBA/CBA-CLE Leadership
- The Mediation Association of Colorado
- Office of Dispute Resolution
A Message from DBA Metro Volunteer Lawyers
1:15 - 2:30 PM
Breakout Sessions (75 minutes)
#1: 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 relevant court rules? When do you really have an enforceable mediation settlement? What parts of mediation are confidential? What are some ethical issues and pitfalls? A helpful and practical session!
Presented by Steven C. Choquette, Esq., JAMS Denver
#2: The Power of Mentoring Mediators to Increase EDI and Change the Culture of the Field – A Pilot Project
The City of Boulder Community Mediation and Resolution Center joins with the Mediation Association of Colorado to present the results of a pilot mentoring program designed to create an intentionally inclusive and supportive community of diverse mediators. Mediation is an empowering way to interact with and access the legal system; the more diverse our profession, the more we prosper, and the more communities perceive that mediation is of value. The pilot program – from mentor and mentee selection, training, matching and frequency of contact – uses a lens of social justice to recognize, mitigate and eliminate bias in the profession of mediation by cultivating new, diverse mediators and expanding those voices. The program will also transform older, traditional mediators, as they work to eliminate inequitable barriers to entering the mediation profession and gaining access to justice.
Presented by Carin Armstrong, MSW, Program Manager, City of Boulder Community Mediation and Resolution Center, Miguel Martinez, Membership Chair, Mediation Association of Colorado, and Principal, Fenix Inc., and Michele M. Clark, Esq., MPA, President, Mediation Association of Colorado, Michele Clark Law & Mediation
Submitted for .4 EDI Credits
2:30 – 2:50 pm
Networking Break – Please visit our sponsors!
2:50 – 3:50 PM
Breakout Sessions (60 minutes)
#3 Mediating with a Cultural Lens
We discuss three main parts of mediation: Scenarios & Stories, Perspectives, and Boundaries. We then identify cultural considerations for each part and how mediators can better "fine-tune" their cultural lens and understanding. This CLE is accompanied by an interactive scenario for mediators to apply their learning.
Presented by Rogelio Hernández-Flores, Beyond Borders Mediation, Maha Kamal, Esq., Colorado Family Law Project, and Miguel Martinez, Membership Chair, Mediation Association of Colorado, and Principal, Fenix Inc.
Submitted for 1 EDI Credit
#4 Getting Past "Us vs. Them"
New Challenges Mediating HOA Disputes
HOAs are mini-democracies, where community members can vote and there is meant to be equality of rights and privileges. However, consistent with current societal conflicts, factions can form, leading to an "us vs. them" standstill. Mediating these issues requires an understanding of board governance and ways to reach common ground.
Presented by Wes P. Wollenweber, Esq., PWF Legal
3:50 – 4:00 pm
Stretch Break
4:00 – 5:00 pm
Breakout Sessions (60 minutes)
#5 Grassroots Community Mediation: No Judgement
This presentation describes the unique, frontline mediations of local nonprofit Community Mediation Concepts (CMC). These mediators tackle cases and find solutions where other legal, public service offices, and others do not know what to do. Five mediators will speak about their experiences mediating community-based conflicts.
Presented by Steve Charbonneau, Executive Director, Community Mediation Concepts, Marta Cary-Skovrinski, MS, Mediator, Community Mediation Concepts, Amber Hill Anderson, MA, Division Director and Lead Mediator, Pesch Law Office PC, Ali Katz, Mediator, Community Mediation Concepts, and Bill Murphy, Mediator, Community Mediation Concepts
#6 Increasing A New Mediator's Worth: Creating Value in a Diversifying ADR Community
A panel of diverse mediators will lead a discussion of how the vast untapped talent of diverse and newer mediators can enrich mediation for all participants and how newer practitioners of all backgrounds, including those currently underrepresented, can overcome challenges to enter the marketplace and create outstanding value in the Colorado ADR Community.
Presented by Melora Bentz, Esq., Middle Path Mediation, LLC, CBA ADR Section EDI Chair, Court Mediation Services Mediator, Holly Panetta, Esq., Peak Empowerment LLC, ODR Contract Mediator, ADR Section Secretary, and Former Director of ODR, Wesley Parks, Esq., Parks Mediation, CBA ADR Section Chair, ODR Contract Mediator, CDE Contract Mediator, Adjunct Professor of Law, University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, and Michelle Sylvain, Esq., ADR Solutions Company, LLC, ODR Contract Mediator and Former ADR Section Chair/Diversity Practitioner
5:00 – 6:30 PM
Cocktail Reception
Sponsored by the Mediation Association of Colorado
On-Demand – View on Your Own
Employment/Labor Dispute Resolution – South Africa’s Triumph Over Discrimination
The South African Constitution and labor/employment laws changed dramatically post-apartheid. This creating program will deal with the anti-discrimination laws and the country's success at a pool of diverse neutrals to deal with ADR. A grievant has fast and efficient finalization of disputes, at no cost, with a strong emphasis on mediation prior to arbitration.
Presented by Hilary Mofsowitz, Mediator- Arbitrator, CCMA, and Tanya Venter, CEO, Tokiso Dispute Settlement
Submitted for 1 CLE Credit
- CLE Pass Price *FREE! - exclusions may apply
- Standard Price $690.00 USD
- Member Price $520.00 USD
- General Credits 8.00
- Ethics Credits 1.50
- EDI Credits 1.40