2015 Southern Dispute Resolution Program Conference | Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

November 19 - 20

The conference is being held at the Ezell Center, the home of Lipscomb University's Institute for Conflict Management. We will be in Room 363 of the Ezell Center. The address for the Ezell Center is 3904 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37215.

Parking information, directions, and maps are available here:
-Important Parking Information
-Directions
-Campus map and Nashville map

Below is the agenda for the 2015 Southern Dispute Resolution Program Conference. Handouts for the conference are available under the corresponding agenda sessions.

There are 3 options for having these materials with you at the conference:

1. You may print and bring these materials with you for reference.

2. Prior to arriving at Lipscomb, download the materials to your lap top or other electronic devices (open each session and then save each document individually) and bring those with you to the workshop.

3. Upon arrival at Lipscomb, access handouts via Lipscomb’s Wi-Fi connection and download the materials. (open each session and then save each document individually). Wi-Fi connection information will be given out at the registration table.

A conference folder will be provided to all attendees which will contain the agenda and other important information. If you have questions or would like for your state handouts to be added to the online agenda, please contact Claudia Lewis, Programs Manager, at 615-741-2687 or by email at claudia.lewis@tncourts.gov.

Agenda

Thursday, November 19

8:45 - 9:45 a.m. The Future of ADR Training - Virginia

Distance learning is being incorporated into the curricula of many
institutions of higher learning. Mediation continuing education is available
online. Discussions about the use of online training for mediators are ongoing.
Handout & PowerPoint

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Mediation Ethics & Discipline - Florida

Part of the responsibility of most state ADR commissions is to provide a disciplinary system for mediators. Some state commissions issue advisory ethics opinions. The functions and ways for administration of these responsibilities vary, and are occasionally modified.
Handouts:

11:15 - 12:15 Evolution of Mediation Rules & Policy - Tennessee

The early adoption of rules for state mediation programs followed several early models, modified to fit the circumstances of individual states. Over the years, the states have modified those rules and adopted policies to assist in the administration of a mediation program and guidance for the practicing mediator. Various issues, such as confidentiality, privilege, admissibility, reporting, mediator assistance in the preparation of settlement memoranda, etc., have been addressed in differing ways.
Handouts:

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Continuing Mediation Education - Georgia

Most state mediation programs include a CME requirement, but those differ in varying ways, including the number of required hours. Modern technology presents new ways to deliver CME.

2:15 - 3:15 p.m. Evaluation of ADR Programs - North Carolina

Most institutions feel the need to self-evaluate their performance levels. There are varying ways to accomplish this and varying audiences for response. What are the best forms of data and data acquisition methods for such evaluations?
Handouts:

3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Pro Se & Pro Bono - Alabama

These two topics overlap, in that the pro se disputant might be participating in a mediation that is being conducted by the mediator on a pro bono basis. There is an increasing need for more pro bono mediations. Some states have included pro bono availability requirements and CME and CLE incentives in their rules and policies for listed or certified mediators. Pro se disputants often pose special challenges for the mediator, whether it is a pro bono mediation or not.
Handouts:

Friday, November 20

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. New Frontiers in ADR - Maryland

What lies ahead? With guidance from their respective state supreme courts, some state ADR programs may wish to expand their scope and jurisdiction to address criminal case mediation, ombuds services, elder law, mediation in special business courts, more mediator regulation or less, reporting requirements, greater use of technology, etc.
Handouts:

10:15 – 11:15 Baby Boomers and Vanishing Trial Effects – South Carolina
We are getting older. For many reasons, the civil justice system continues to evolve. Fewer cases proceed to trial and fewer cases are filed. The younger generation of lawyers approach practice in differing ways from their senior partners. In part, this relates to the advantages of technology. How do these circumstances affect ADR programs and how will they affect the future?