Podcasts about mediation center

August 1, 2024 This week's episode features an interview with Monica Armster Rainge, Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Vernon and Monica explore key insights from her experience as an advocate and advisor at USDA. Monica Armster Rainge is a globally recognized agricultural lawyer, mediator, and farm advocate. She is one of the most influential female leaders in agriculture today. For more than 25 years, her passion has been fighting for justice for underserved and marginalized communities in food, agriculture, land rights and natural resources management. In February 2021, Monica Amster Rainge was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the USDA. In this role, she led the enforcement of federal civil rights laws, regulations, executive orders, and departmental policies that protect the USDA's workforce and customers from discrimination. Attorney Rainge has held significant leadership roles in department-wide, transformative initiatives to advance equity, racial justice, and access to opportunity at the USDA. She currently serves as a Senior Advisor on USDA's implementation team for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP), a historic $2.2 billion program providing financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination prior to January 2021. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Director of Land Retention and Advocacy for the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund where she led the development and management of outreach and technical assistance programs that support regional land retention and advocacy initiatives for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. She also directed the Regional Heirs Property and Mediation Center which provides USDA-certified mediation services in Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana. Ms. Rainge holds a bachelor's degree in agricultural business from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and a juris doctor from the University of Florida. She earned a Master of Laws degree in Agricultural Law from the University of Arkansas.

Negotiation skills are fundamental for lawyers, but how many of us really know what it takes to get the most out of a mediation? Alex Carter, Professor and Director of the Mediation Center at Columbia Law School, mediator, and author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Ask for More," shares her insights on negotiation and how to succeed in mediation. Turns out, it's not just knowing your bottom line. Her brilliant 10 questions from Ask for More can help lawyers avoid a "one car accident" and get more for their clients and in their careers. She shares practical, actionable advice for succeeding in mediation, including the key steps of doing your homework and identifying the problem you're trying to solve before you enter the room.She also offers tips for finding the right mediator to resolve your case, preparing for mediation, and the magic that can occur from joint sessions.Finally, we talk about career growth--how to think broadly about what you want and why it's important to "ask for more" at work.Her beautifully written book, Ask for More, is a must-read. With 10 simple questions, Alex shows us how we can find the "more" in business, law, and life.

New York international arbitration partner J.P. Duffy discusses the Singapore International Arbitration Centre's (SIAC) current accomplishments and future plans for the Americas with SIAC's registrar, Kevin Nash, and SIAC's director and head of the Americas, Adriana Uson. ----more---- Transcript: Intro: Hello and welcome to Arbitral Insights, a podcast series brought to you by our International Arbitration Practice lawyers here at Reed Smith. I'm Peter Rosher, Global Head of Reed Smith's International Arbitration Practice. I hope you enjoy the industry commentary, insights, and anecdotes we share with you in the course of this series, wherever in the world you are. If you have any questions about any of the topics discussed, please do contact our speakers. And with that, let's get started.  J.P.: Welcome back to the next episode of Arbitral Insights, in which we'll discuss the Singapore International Arbitration Center's America Initiative with Kevin Nash, who is SIAC's registrar, and Adriana Uson, who is the SIAC's director and head for the Americas. Let me begin by introducing myself. I'm J.P. Duffy. I'm an international arbitration partner based in New York that acts as both counsel and arbitrator in international arbitration seated around the the world under a variety of governing laws and arbitral rules. I'm qualified in New York, England and Wales, and the DIFC courts in Dubai, where I previously practiced. I routinely represent clients in arbitrations involving India, the GCC, and East Asia, and I also had the good fortune to be listed on the SIAC arbitrator roster. As I mentioned, with me today is, first, Kevin Nash. Kevin is a Canadian lawyer and the SIAC's Registrar. As Registrar, Kevin leads the 25-member SIAC Secretariat in the provision of case management services. Over the course of the past decade, Kevin has overseen the administration of thousands of international cases under all versions of the SIAC and UNCITRAL rules. Under the Singapore International Arbitration Act 1994, Kevin is also gazetted as an appointing authority, serves as the statutory taxation authority, and is empowered to authenticate and certify awards and arbitration agreements. And last but not least is Adriana Uson. Adriana Uson is the director and head of the Americas for the SIAC, where she leads and oversees SIAC's activities in North and Latin America. In 2020, Adriana established the SIAC's first office outside of Asia in New York. She has more than a decade of experience in dispute resolution and and has served as counsel on international arbitrations, as arbitrator, and as the institutional representative. Adriana first joined SIAC as counsel, during which time she administered hundreds of cases across a range of seats and governing laws. She was also involved in the drafting of the SIAC Rules 2016 draft, SIAC Investment Arbitration Rules 2017, and the SIAC Practice Note on Third-Party Funding. Prior to rejoining the SIAC, Adriana was a disputes lawyer at a global law firm where she advised and represented clients in international arbitrations conducted under the auspices of the SIAC, the ICC, ICSID, and the HKIAC. So as you can tell, we have a wealth of knowledge with us today, and we're really, really fortunate to have both Kevin and Adriana with us today. So with that, let's jump right in and hear from our guests. So let me just set the stage a bit by giving some of the SIAC background, and then we'll have Kevin and Adriana chime in on that a bit. So the SIAC is a not-for-profit arbitral administrator that was established in 1994 in Singapore with the objective of providing a neutral, efficient, and reliable dispute resolution institution in Asia. Kevin, can you give us a bit of background on what's gone on with the SIAC over the last 33 years, I guess.  Kevin: Sure. Thanks, J.P. It's great to be here. Thank you to you and to Reed Smith. I'm actually a listener to this podcast, so it's really good to be here. Giving a bit of background, 33 years of operation, SIAC started as functionally a regional center, and you can really see a very compelling growth trajectory. The real proper administration of SIAC's cases started in 2007. You can then see sets of rules in 2010, 2013, 2016. And now we're in the draft public consultation for the seventh edition of the SIAC rules. Along the way, we went in the Queen Mary University of London White and Case Survey is the second most preferred arbitral institution in the world and the most preferred in Asia. And that's really what has helped bring SIAC to global prominence, that we have this expertise in Asia, but we also have parties from all around the world.  J.P.: That's great. And it has been meteoric growth. It's been really impressive to watch. The SIAC didn't exist, as you say, when I first started practicing, and now it's almost default in Asia, if not the default for most parties. And let's talk about that growth outside of Asia a bit. So while the SIAC began in Singapore and has had a lot of acceptance in Asian markets, it is not simply an Asian administrator, as you say. It's really accepted around the globe. What's really been the Singapore secret to that, Kevin?  Kevin: I suppose that's the million-dollar question, or when you look at some of SIAC's cases, is the $7 billion or $10 billion question, is what does Singapore and SIAC have been able to do to put itself at the forefront of international arbitration? When I look at the Singapore arbitration ecosystem, I see language from decisions like the rule of law is applied without fear or favor, and there is an unequivocal judicial philosophy of the facilitation and promotion of arbitration. So it's really the entire ecosystem in Singapore that has helped build up SIAC. One of the most important moments, and Adriana and I were quite involved in this, was in the SIAC rules 2016. Previously, it used to be a default Singapore seat of arbitration. So unless the parties otherwise agreed, if it was left silent, then it would default to a Singapore seat. But because of the popularity in the Americas, the then President Gary Bourne knew that for us to really grow as a global institution, that had to be left to the parties or to the tribunal to decide. So we've got the benefit of the Singapore ecosystem. So you have a very pro-arbitration bench. You have all of the hardware and software, modern legislation based on the UNCITRAL model law. And to a certain degree, it's based on where we are in the world. Singapore, much like New York, is an international center for finance. Singapore has that reputation of effectively being Switzerland in Southeast Asia. And maybe you just can almost encapsulate it by putting out a question that if you were a significant U.S. Entity, would you be comfortable being a moving claimant against a very prominent Singapore respondent? And I think that the answer is overwhelmingly yes. Parties know that they're going to get a fair adjudication of their dispute when they come to Singapore, and certainly when they file a case at SIAC. When I look at that 25 member SIAC secretariat, I am quite moved by the fact that we only have one Singaporean lawyer. So the rest of the Singapore SIAC secretariat are all lawyers qualified in 13 jurisdictions around the world. So I think that gives parties the confidence.  J.P.: Now, Kevin, where are some of those lawyers qualified in the secretariat?  Kevin: You know, I would have to run through the jurisdictions, India, Indonesia, United States, UK, Vietnam, Ecuador, Georgia. I feel like I'm missing a few, Canada, Malaysia. So anywhere in the world where we have our top jurisdictions and particularly where we have those applicable laws at play, we really need to have a lawyer in the secretariat qualified in those jurisdictions. I can think of five years ago in Vietnam, a very fast-growing jurisdiction, because there's a lot of procedural nuances in that jurisdiction, surely we need to have a Vietnamese qualified lawyer. China, we have a fair amount of Chinese language arbitration, so we need to have Chinese qualified counsel. And certainly, we have so many cases involving Indian parties, so we have three Indian qualified lawyers in the secretariat as well.  J.P.: Well, that certainly gives a good overview of the breadth that the SIAC covers. And I think just to reinforce that a bit, let's talk about some of the offices that the SIAC has outside of Singapore before we get to the one in New York. So, am I correct that in 2013, SIAC opened up its first overseas office in Mumbai and then Seoul? Is that right? Seoul, Korea?  Kevin: That's right.  J.P.: And then in 2016, SIAC opened up in Shanghai, correct?  Kevin: Yep.  J.P.: And then in 2017, SIAC opened up a second office in Gujarat in India, right?  Kevin: Also correct, yeah.  J.P.: Now, what was the impetus for opening all those offices?  Kevin: Really, it's to have a presence on the ground. So one thing that we do very well at SIAC is have a lot of analytics looking at economic indicators. We're looking at both sides of the contract. So you're seeing where, for instance, Indian parties, where those inflows and outflows of economic activity is happening. And I think that it matters to users to have a presence on the ground. I can see with the incredible amount of interest that we have in the Americas with Adriana on the ground here. So whether it's being able to call and say that you're filing a notice, I'm starting to think that notwithstanding the fact that I'm the Registrar, that more American users are actually liaising with Adriana. In fact, we had a purely European dispute where they were calling Adriana to say, hey, we filed a notice. So I think that it's made a difference to have that on the ground presence. And we're looking at perhaps a few other offices that are going to be opened up in the reasonably near future. I think what's important for the Americas and one thing that I've talked about publicly quite a bit is potentially that move to setting up a case management office in New York.  J.P.: Interesting. Well, let's talk about that New York office then. So now, Adriana, you opened up the New York, the SIAC New York office in December of 2020, correct?  Adriana: Yeah, that's correct, J.P.  J.P.: That's a challenging timing. How did you find that process?  Adriana: Oh, that was really a very challenging time. I think that was the height of the pandemic, if I wasn't mistaken, back in 2020. And so what we did was really to leverage off technology, J.P. I think that's even the first time where we met was by Zoom. So what we've done is that we've used Zoom, we've used webinar to engage with our users. I remember that time I probably had a Zoom meeting every single day for over a year or even two years. And really, the challenge was creating that rapport and that relationship to deepen those relationships during that time.  J.P.: Yeah, that was certainly a challenging time. And I do recall meeting for the first time by Zoom. Now, Adriana, does the New York office, I think Kevin just touched on this, but does Does the New York office administer cases as well?  Adriana: Not at the moment, J.P., but we're looking into the possibility of administering cases from our New York office to provide real-time access for our users in America. So that's something to watch out for.  J.P.: Good. Well, we'll keep a heads up for that one. Now, what then was the impetus for opening the New York office? What was its purpose when you decided to open it in December of 2020?  Adriana: I think really, J.P., it's because of the growing number of American parties that we have been seeing in our docket. So every single year for the last 13 years, American parties actually ranked amongst our top five users. And there are certain years where you'll see that American parties would even rank number one amongst our foreign users ahead of China and India, which is saying a lot. And that is without us even having any significant engagements in the US. So it was us ripe for us to open an office during that time. It just so happened that it happened right smack at the height of the pandemic. But apart from that, our relationships with the Americans or the US is quite strong. As you know, our immediate past president, Gary Bourne, is an American. Our current president, Lucy Reed, is also a New Yorker. The number three or sometimes fourth most appointed arbitrator by nationality with SIAC are Americans as well. We have American counsel qualified at the secretariat, and we've been really engaging with a lot of U.S. law firms in SIAC. So I think with all of these, it just made sense for us to open an office in New York.  J.P.: Yeah, I think it tends to give a lot of comfort to U.S. parties when they know they have a local contact that they can reach out to. And certainly that helps with with, you know, explaining to a US party, like, yeah, this is not this might be an international undertaking. But there's an office right here in New York. Here's Adriana, here's someone we can reach out to. Now with that, Adriana, what is your day to day look like in the New York office, if you don't mind sharing that with the audience?  Adriana: Oh, I mean, I wouldn't even know myself out my day would would go but typically it would be speaking with our stakeholders. So be it, you know, at a law firm or roundtable session with some corporates or lecturing in some universities. Mostly I'm traveling. So SIAC, New York office really covers from Canada all the way to Chile, including Caribbean, Central America. So then you'll find me in different parts of America. And I think that that's how it looks like at the moment.  J.P.: Yeah, I would imagine it's probably a pretty exciting and pretty action-packed day. Okay. Well, let me just transition a bit so that people in the audience can get a bit of a sense because we were talking about case administration and, you know, for instance, Kevin mentioned, you know, a purely European case in which people were reaching out to you. How many cases did SIAC administer in 2023?  Kevin: Yeah thanks, J.P. I should also say, reaching back to the past question that much of Adriana's day involves me reaching out to her, asking about US arbitrators, a filing that's coming in. But moving to the question, how many cases SIAC administered? So we had 663 cases in 2023. Our previous high had been more than a thousand cases. And this is really significant when you you think that we were starting from the place of two cases filed in 1991 when we first opened our doors. Unsurprisingly, both of those would have been ad hoc conversion cases. And you have some of these cases that might just be a few thousand dollars, two cases, some of the big major projects and giga projects in the mini billions. From a case management standpoint, what is critical for us, the independent and neutral SIAC secretariat, is you treat every case the same. Every case gets the same amount of care and attention. And that's what we've really tried to focus on when we've moved from a regional institution to a global institution. The idea of this accessibility, where we're still treating every case like it is the most important case on the docket. Counsel can reach out to us, certainly not ex parte, but can certainly reach out to us on matters of procedure, the same with arbitrators. And that's been really important to our growth. At any one time, we have more than a thousand active cases. And now in most years, we're getting more than 500 cases a year, which from an international caseload standpoint, really puts us at the top of the chart for arbitral institutions.  J.P.: Yeah, that's quite an impressive growth and impressive numbers. Now, are there particular industries that many of those cases come from, or are there particular industries that you see more cases come from? I'd just be interested to know.  Kevin: J.P., it really runs the gamut and our only limitation really is arbitrability. So you could have cases arising out of contracts, treaties, investment contracts, and it's a lot of mirroring with these economic corridors. So there's certainly a lot of international trade. I can remember during the pandemic, it felt like I was becoming an expert in the sale and purchase of masks. We had lots of those cases. We get some of the big construction and engineering cases, corporate, JV, maritime and shipping. Singapore has the second largest container port in the world. So we really want to be able to administer any kind of case with any type of law applying and increasingly in different languages of the arbitration.  J.P.: Well, that's interesting. It's unsurprising, I guess, that some of the caseload would follow economic trends. And it's also unsurprising that some of the cases would just follow what goes on in Singapore generally. Now, I think you mentioned earlier some of the top users for SIAC are China, India, the US. What countries were the top five users in 2023?  Kevin: In 2023, we had lots of cases from mainland China, Hong Kong, Americas, India. What I found very compelling in those 2023 statistics is that our fifth most frequent user was Emirati parties. And often we had Emirati parties on both sides of the contract. And it's really a hallmark of the flexibility of international arbitration. So you may have UAE parties on both sides. They may choose an onshore or offshore seat in the UAE. They may choose a Singapore seat. And then the rest of the top 10 and those users that are starting to really matter is really a balance between common law jurisdictions and civil law jurisdictions. And if you follow SIAC and if you chart SIAC, what we really try to do is give effect to both the common law tradition and the civil law tradition. What we have been seeing increasingly with US parties and in large part to the work of Adriana is some of those real chunky disputes are coming from the Americas. When you're looking at the highest summon dispute, the mean summon dispute, the median summon dispute, we are getting some of those very significant cases from the Americas.  J.P.: Well, that's really interesting. And before we move on to the Americas, I just want to hit on a couple of points. And I guess my first question is, are you seeing trends in where cases are coming from in countries? Like, for instance, you just mentioned the top five user being Emirati. Would that have been the case a few years ago as well, or is that a newer development?  Kevin: We've seen some signs of interest from Emirati parties and in MENA generally, but it is because of the amount of work. And it's almost like you can look at some of the fastest growing economies and some of those most dynamic economies, and then you will start to see SIAC's caseload increase. And as I mentioned earlier, what's important for us is to be able to market both sides of the contract and have the users have confidence on both sides of the contract. So a classic case involving the Americas might be a party from the U.S. And an Indian party, a party from the U.S. And an ASEAN party, and a party from the U.S. and a Chinese party. What place are both of those parties going to choose increasingly at Singapore and SIAC? J.P.: Yeah, that's great to hear and unsurprising, I guess. Now, are those transactions ones that would be, for instance, just global transactions, or are they ones that might have some sort of geographic center in Asia?  Kevin: One of my favorite disputes that we've had recently was a functionally domestic US dispute where there were parallel court proceedings in the Pacific Northwest. I was looking for an Asian nexus. I have still yet to find it. So most of these, I mean, I mean, obviously, arbitration is the preferred method to resolve cross-border disputes, but in the UAE, in the Americas, a lot of times in India, these are domestic disputes where they're choosing Singapore and SIAC. And J.P., you might remember that it took some time for the Indian Supreme Court to give clarification on whether two Indian parties could choose a foreign seat. That clarification has now arrived. But even before that, because of the power of Singapore as a seat and the trust and confidence into the SIAC, Indian parties were still using SIAC for functionally domestic disputes.  J.P.: Yeah, it's interesting because that has been the case for many, many years before the Indian Supreme Court clarified that, as you say, almost akin to the way that some Brazilian parties use other institutions as well as the SIAC for purely Brazilian domestic disputes. It's a vote of confidence in arbitration generally, I think, as well as the institution. Well, let's shift gears a bit and talk some more in a little more detail about the Americas. And Adriana, what, obviously, by opening an office here in New York, SIAC is targeting, you know, the US and New York in particular. But what other markets is SIAC targeting with its New York office?  Adriana: J.P., there's really a lot of ground to cover in terms of targets. And as a starting point, SIAC's choice to open our America's office in New York was important. And it was very consequential and sent a message about our future direction. As all of us who live in the city would be aware, New York is the epicenter of so many things. So international arbitration and legal services, banking and finance, international trade, retailing, media and advertising, and so many others. But our users come from all over the US and across various sectors. Let's see if I can recall all of them. So over the past five years, we have seen parties from California, Connecticut, Delaware. Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, I think New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio. We've seen some from Texas, Virginia, and Washington, to name a few. We have been busy see deepening these relationships and engaging with the local arbitration communities, establishing partnerships such as with the Silicon Valley Arbitration and Mediation Center. But our New York office really covers the whole Americas from, like I said, from Canada to Chile. Latin America is especially exciting for us because of its increasing trade with Asia. Right now, we have cases coming from Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador. We also have cases from Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay, and we are eager to further expand our reach in the Americas. In fact, one of the first few things we did, J.P., when we opened the Americas office was to enter into partnerships with local centers such as the Lima Chamber of Commerce, the Santiago Arbitration and Mediation Center, and the Quito Chamber of Commerce, to name a few. And we have been very active in the region since.  J.P.: That's really impressive. That's really impressive. And, you know, people, you know, think of the Americas and they, they sometimes think of a few large, a few large jurisdictions, but you're mentioning really a number of countries in the Americas that are seeing capital flows between, between their countries in Asia. Now, what are some of the, what are some of the largest, Latin American markets that you're seeing activity in at the moment, other than the ones, you know, I think you just mentioned a few, but are there others that you're seeing in particular as ones that are producing a lot of disputes?  Adriana: I would say there has been an uptick in our Mexican and Brazilian caseloads. Kevin, you've seen a lot of these cases coming in. I think there are queries coming in from Ecuador as well. That's an area that we're quite interested. In fact, we did hire an Ecuadorian counsel in our secretariat because of that.  J.P.: Impressive. How about jurisdictions like Argentina and Peru?  Adriana: Yeah, actually, Argentina and Peru, one of our main targets, especially Peru, I think in Peru, they've now mandated arbitration as part of their law for public contracts. There's a lot of arbitration going on in Peru. And just before actually this podcast, I was on a webinar for the Peruvian Institute. So we are very active in Peru as well.  J.P.: That's great. I would assume Colombia is an important market as well. well?  Adriana: Yes, absolutely. Colombia, Panama, because of the Asian trade, that's also a very important market for us.  J.P.: Interesting. And are you seeing disputes come out of issues involving the canal in Panama?  Kevin: We actually have J.P. And I should say, because Adriana has been in this role for, is it three years?  Adriana: Yeah.  Kevin: In or around. There is that sort of timeline when SIAC clauses go into contracts and when you get the eventual dispute. And we have very strong indicators for many of those jurisdictions that you named that some significant entities are starting to use SIAC as their preferred dispute resolution choice. And that's one of the challenges of marketing an institution because you actually don't want parties to go to dispute. You hope that that they don't have to go to an arbitration, but that they have confidence to use SIAC arbitration clauses. So we're just as happy when we know if it's an entity from Panama, Peru, Argentina, as the case may be, that they're starting to use SIAC clauses. And whether or not that goes to a dispute, hopefully it doesn't. Maybe they're able to settle on their disputes or because of the confidence in SIAC as an institution, the parties tend to keep to their bargains because they know if they go to arbitration, it's likely going to be very fast and very cost effective for the counterparty.  J.P.: Yeah, well, that is certainly the case. I think we all always hope when we're drafting arbitration clauses that they never get invoked. But, you know, it's certainly my experience, at least, that, you know, 15 to 20% of those will end up at a certain point in time in arbitration. And so it's good to see that SIAC clauses are being written. And I know certainly clients that we have are extremely interested in that. And not simply when there's any sort of, you know, Asian nexus. It can be just about anything at this point. Well, that raises a really good question, which is, what would you say, Adriana and Kevin, have been the biggest accomplishments that SIAC has had in the Americas since opening? I mean, it's been a really challenging time, but you've obviously put SIAC on the map even more so in the Americas. So what would you see as the biggest accomplishment in the last, I guess, three or four years?  Kevin: J.P., I might just start and then I'll pass it over to Adriana. So the joke that I always make internally about Adriana setting up the New York office is that she effectively came here with a paperclip and ended up bartering her way into having a very well-running office. So certainly that was a challenge for Adriana coming all the way from Singapore and being able to set up this vibrant office that is doing some really interesting things. Effectively just with a paperclip and bordering her way and navigating New York City to get this office up and running. But I'll pass it over to Adriana.  Adriana: Thanks, Kevin. I guess aside from what Kevin just said, I would say getting new users from new jurisdictions would be one of our biggest accomplishments, J.P. Since opening the New York office in December 2020, we have gained new users from places like Argentina with the first ever case from that jurisdiction filed just last year and Colombia, which we spoke about. What's interesting about the case involving Colombia is that the counterparty is from Switzerland, showing the potential for cases in the Americas with no Asian nexus. We're also seeing a rising trend in cases from Panama. I think we've touched on that earlier. And more and more of our clauses are also making their way into contracts across Latin America. Just yesterday, we received an email from a firm in Guayaquil and Quito informing forming us, they've included SIAC clauses across a suite of contracts. A Spanish law firm with Latin American clients recently also indicated they're trying SIAC, including us in contracts for the first time. Peru, like. I mentioned earlier, a Peruvian law firm also told us that they're currently handling a contract with an SIAC clause for the first time. So this could be SIAC's first Peruvian case if the clause is activated. There was also a prominent U.S. entertainment company that requested information on SIAC as it considers switching from U.S. arbitral centers to SIAC. And speaking on the U.S., we've seen a rise in filings since the launch of our New York office. Another notable trend is that But while SIAC is often chosen when Asian parties are involved in, you know, repeating what Kevin just said, we're now handling cases between American parties or between Americans and Europeans without any Singapore-Asian connection. And I think this trend really highlights SIAC's growing international reach and reputation.  J.P.: Well, that is certainly impressive meteoric growth. And, you know, it's an old, it's a trite old song lyric, but the song lyric that if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere really is true. And you certainly have. Let me ask then just a concluding question for you, Adriana. And obviously, Kevin, you should feel free to jump in as well. But where would you like to see the New York SIAC office in, say, five years? What would you think that looks like?  Adriana: I think in the next five years, we see SIAC becoming a major player in the arbitration landscape across the Americas. We're focused on establishing a strong presence and building solid relationships with businesses, legal professionals, and arbitration practitioners throughout North and South America.  J.P.: Good. Kevin, anything you want to add there?  Kevin: Maybe just that it almost goes to the mandate of an institution, is what is an institution really there for? And I think that we believe that we are there to promote the advantages of international arbitration and to really be a contributor. And that's what we've tried to be with the America's Office in New York, is to be a part of the international arbitration community. And one thing that I would say about where we want to be in five years or 10 years is from a case management standpoint, we just want to keep getting better and better. Arbitration is not like it was 10 years ago or 20 years ago. You have to be fast, thoughtful, precise. The case management matters. And that's what we focus on. And we're going to continue to listen to our users and try to be updating ourselves for 2024 beyond.  J.P.: Well, those are all good goals to have. And I think we'll keep our ear to the ground for future developments on things like case management and new rules. And I think I'll exercise my prerogative to reserve my right to call you guys back to discuss those things in the near future, because I think there's been such incredible growth and so many incredible developments, and I'm sure there'll be more to discuss again in the near future. But with that, I think we should conclude our discussion. And I want to thank you both. I want to thank our guests, Kevin Nash and Adriana Uson from the SIAC for offering their invaluable insights. And I want to thank you, the listeners, for tuning in. You should feel free to reach out to Reed Smith about today's podcast with any questions you might have. I'll take the initiative and speak for both Adriana and Kevin and say you should feel free to reach out to them as well about any questions you might have. We look forward to having you tune in for future episodes in the series. So thank you again to Adriana and Kevin, and we look forward to having you back.  Adriana: Thank you, J.P.  Kevin: Thank you.  Outro: Arbitral Insights is a Reed Smith production. Our producer is Ali McCardell. For more information about Reed Smith's global international arbitration practice, email arbitralinsights@reedsmith.com. To learn about the Reed Smith Arbitration Pricing Calculator, a first-of-its-kind mobile app that forecasts the costs of arbitration around the world, search Arbitration Pricing Calculator on reedsmith.com or download for free through the Apple and Google Play app stores. You can find our podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google Play, Stitcher, reedsmith.com, and our social media accounts at Reed Smith LLP on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.  Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice and is not intended to establish an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to suggest or establish standards of care applicable to particular lawyers in any given situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Any views, opinions, or comments made by any external guest speaker are not to be attributed to Reed Smith LLP or its individual lawyers.  All rights reserved.

In this interview with Rolf Claessen on the IP Fridays podcast, João Negrão, the executive director of the EUIPO, discussed the office's recent developments and future plans. Negrão highlighted the conclusion of the consultation phase for the EUIPO's 2023 Strategic Plan, emphasizing key areas such as financial sustainability, efficiency, effectiveness, and the integration of emerging […]

RadioRotary co-hosts Kathy Kruger and Jonah Triebwasser talk with Leanne Lawson and Claudia Abbott-Barish about the great work of the Mediation Center of Dutchess County. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/radiorotary/support

In this “Spotlight on…” episode, host Gautam Bhattacharyya welcomes arbitrator and SVAMC AI Task Force chair Benjamin Malek (FCIARB) to discuss what led him to a career in international arbitration. The pair discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies like AI, and how to maintain and improve the effectiveness of arbitration in an ever-changing legal landscape.----more---- Transcript: Intro: Hello and welcome to Arbitral Insights, a podcast series brought to you by our International Arbitration practice lawyers here at Reed Smith. I'm Peter Rosher, global head of Reed Smith's International Arbitration Practice. I hope you enjoy the industry commentary, insights and anecdotes we share with you in the course of this series, wherever in the world you are. If you have any questions about any of the topics discussed, please do contact our speakers. With that, let's get started. Gautam: Hello everyone and welcome back to our Arbitral Insights podcast series, and thank you for joining us. I am delighted to have with us as our guest today,  Ben Malek. Uh Hello, Ben. Ben: Hi Gautam, thank you for having me. Gautam: It's great to have you with us. Now, I'm gonna introduce Ben, but I'm gonna preface this by saying I love to see new arbitrator talent emerge and I'm unashamed about that. I love to see it. And Ben epitomizes this new number of arbitrators that I just love to see. Ben has got a very interesting background. Uh he's based in New York, but he – I'm gonna share some interesting stuff about him with you all. He's obviously a practitioner of arbitration. He's also an arbitrator and he has great experience of being in private practice and also working for institutions who deal with arbitration. And we'll come to that in the course of our discussion. He also speaks an incredible number of languages, which would, which certainly is something worth noting. So, so obviously, not only apart from English, but he also speaks fluent German, Romanian, Spanish and French, and he can also turn his hand very ably to Italian, Hebrew, Mandarin and Korean. And I'm just in awe of that, Ben. But so obviously, you can see we're talking uh to, to someone who's truly international. We'll talk a little bit about what you do Ben in the course of this podcast but for our listeners, Ben is with T.H.E Chambers in New York. And as I said, prior to his current role, he has worked in private practice at some major law firms and also with arbitral institutions. So, on that note, a huge welcome again to you, Ben and I'm much looking forward to our discussion. So let me ask you the first thing a little bit about your background because you, you do have a very interesting background just based purely on your geographic origins, your languages and how the world has just seen so much of you. But could you just tell us a little bit about your background and how you found the law and arbitration or conversely how law and arbitration found you. Ben: Thank you so much Gautam for inviting me such an honor to be on your podcast. I always look forward to the new episodes you have so it's uh it's truly a pleasure. Thank you. So I grew up in Germany. I was born and raised in Germany to Romanian parents and my maternal grandparents wanted to talk German to us because that's what first generation immigrants do. However, they spoke a very broken German because they're German just wasn't that good. So my mother had the idea of them talking to me in Romanian, which was their maternal language. And this way, I would have two languages once I hit kindergarten, which is exactly what happened. I talked Romanian at home until I started kindergarten, which is where I learned German. So that was the beginning of my duality, I guess. Later on my parents decided that an international school would be best for my brother and I, I have a twin brother by the way. So we went to an international school where languages was really emphasized. I was taught everything in English. English was my maternal language, German was my first foreign language. And that's when I started to really learn my other languages. French became my second foreign language, Spanish became my third foreign language. So by the time I graduated high school I was fluent in five languages. So that was uh extremely helpful at that time, and, uh, that's when I knew that I needed to do something with languages. Unfortunately, and just to give a little more background, I decided to pursue dentistry. I'm not sure if you knew that Gautam.  Gautam: No, I didn't know this. You're a man of many, many hidden talents. Ben, I had no idea. I I know now. Ben: So I went to dental school and because, because I grew up in, in Germany to Romanian parents, I always wanted to, to understand my origins and see where I'm from. So I went and studied uh dentistry in Romania. So while in Romania, I graduated dentistry, I came back to Germany and actually started practicing dentistry. At which point I realized that that might really not be the best career. And I'll explain why. I loved the attention to detail. I loved the artistry of it. But the one thing that I really couldn't deal with was talking to the walls. And what do we, what do I mean by that? When patients sit in the chair before you and you talk and their mouth is open, they cannot respond. And I never realized how much that would impact me psychologically. I felt like I was in isolation, I was talking to them and I talked to them in so many languages, but nothing was coming back. So at that point, I realized with my first year of practice that even though I like what I do, I don't think I could do that for the rest of my life. So I decided to go back and study law. And during my last year of law school, I got a job at BDO in Romania. And because of my languages, I was on-boarded on an arbitration which was held in English with a German party and a French party. And because they had somebody that spoke German and French, they decided to save some costs and have me translate. So that was my introduction to arbitration. And I thought it was wonderful. It was absolutely delightful, especially in a country where the judicial system is sometimes questionable in the sense that you may win for your clients, but you win such a small insignificant amount that you can't really consider it to be a win. I realized that arbitration is a true fairness out there and it is accessible. So it was that moment during that arbitration that I realized and decided to pursue a master's in arbitration, which I ultimately did. I went to the University of Miami where I pursued my LLM. I had the privilege to study under Jan Paulsson, Marike Paulsson, Carolyn Lamm, Jonathan Hamilton. And I really did have the privilege to study under Martin Hunter who has passed away just a few years ago. So it was, it was an amazing masters and that really gave me the basis to start my career in arbitration. Gautam: Well, now that's an incredible journey and a truly uh a diverse background, a truly a diverse professional background you've had and you know, thank you for sharing those great thoughts. Now figures while you're in international arbitration, because you truly are international Ben, in the truest sense of the word. Now you've mentioned some amazing teachers that you had in the law who are truly not just first class, they're world class in terms of names. But um I'm most interested to hear from our guests as to who they would say have been their biggest mentors and inspirations in their career. So if you were to look at your legal career, and it's not often that I do a podcast with someone who's a qualified dentist as well as a qualified lawyer. But there's always a first for these things. But in your career as a lawyer, I wonder if you could share with us some of those names who have been your great mentors and inspirations. Ben: Absolutely. I think all of us owe our entry especially in arbitration to someone as the saying goes, we we need somebody to open the door, we gotta walk through it ourselves, but somebody is always there to open the door. For me I really had, John Fellas was an amazing mentor. I got to know John during my masters and we've kept in touch ever since. What struck me about John was his humbleness and his absolutely striking kindness. I mean, I was a mere student who just got my feet wet and he always made the time, always respected my time, always trying to see how and where he can help me or brainstorm what to do or where to do. It was a true mentorship. And I value that, especially after so many years, I, I wouldn't be here without him. One more mentor that I can think of is Crenguța Leaua. She's um with LDDP in Romania. Over the years, we've got to know each other. She's just such an amazing practitioner who has truly shown me what there is to do and has helped me or help me guide my way into arbitration. So uh without those two, I wouldn't be where I am. But I would also say I really, I consider that every, every person I worked for in the past, every boss I had potentially got me into where I am. So that being said when I worked at the American Arbitration Association or the ICDR to be more, more precise, Tom Ventrone was an amazing mentor. I mean, I learned so much from that and it was interesting because I only got to know him once I was at the ICDR. I did, I quite frankly and uh I don't know if I should say this out loud, but I've never heard of him before. Um However, when I was there, I realized that I don't think the ICDR would be where it is without Tom Ventrone and his team. So that was absolutely outstanding. Gautam: Thank you very much. And you know, some really great names there, Ben that you've given, who've been your real guiding lights in your career so far and you, you're very fortunate to have had all of those people. Now, you've alluded to it in your answer that you just gave and I mentioned it in the introduction that you've worked at major law firms and you've worked for arbitral institutions. I wonder if you could share with us a few things that you've learned by having had the benefit of working on both sides of the fence, so to speak. Ben: I would say at first when I started off at institutions and in all disclosure, I didn't start my career at the American Arbitration Association, I actually started at CPR Institute in New York. I filled in this case manager after which shortly after I got the opportunity at the ICDR. The one thing I learned was really what an impact an institution can make and what a driving force it is in arbitration. Of course, I've learned and I've been part of adhoc arbitrations and that's when you really start to appreciate institutions and what they can do. So I really do value institutions for what they are. I believe the work is truly in vain. And during my time at the ICDR, I mean, it was high volume, in the sense that we administered many cases. And when COVID hit, it felt like those cases doubled even though they didn't. It was just that the traffic of email because nobody had any, any place to be. There was no traveling, there were no dinners, there were no vacations. Everybody was on their email all the time. But it was uh truly valuable. You learn how to manage your time, you learn how to manage other people's time and you learn how to truly value time and deadlines and how to set them fairly. During my time at the American Arbitration Association, I was truly privileged to be part of what they call IARC which on the international part is the International Administrative Review Committee. Where different challenges are being discussed and decided upon. So having been part of that and having seen many cases come in and out and the decisions thereof have really helped me to make better decisions as counsel. Once I, I left the institution. Gautam: I think that amazing kaleidoscope of experience that you had in private practice and with institutions brings us nicely to the next question I wanted to ask you. And this and again, I'll preface it with, again saying how much I love to see new arbitrator talent coming through. I love to see it because we need new talent, fresh blood coming in and you are certainly one of that group. And so I was mentioning that you are with T.H.E Chambers in New York. And I'd love you to tell us a little bit about the work of T.H.E Chambers where you are an arbitrator and including, first of all, if you wouldn't mind what T.H.E stands for a Ben. Ben: Thank you, Gautam. Absolutely. So, as a young arbitrator, I think it's interesting to see that there are not many out there and if they are, it is always combined with some sort of additional workload, whether that is tribunal secretary or they still work as an associate somewhere else or consultant. It, it it is self explanatory why that happens. Uh But I am privileged, I believe to be part of a small group of young arbitrators. And I, I think it's, it's highly important to understand that even young arbitrators do have a specific know-how that we would not have had 20-25 years ago whenever I'm approached or I'm asked about my expertise, I do unfortunately get the answer oftentimes that people didn't realize that a young practitioner could have so much experience or could have the pertinent know-how. And I think that's where arbitration really expanded and advanced in the last decade or two. We have master degrees at, at so many universities throughout the world. We have so many courses and we have so many practitioners willing to talk and mentor people that it is truly possible at a younger age to become an arbitrator. Gautam: I completely agree and if I'm not mistaken, the, you know, the, T.H.E Chambers stands for Tribunals, Hearings and Enforcement, is that correct Ben? Ben: That is correct. Absolutely. Yes, thank you. So, when I started off sitting as an arbitrator, I was approached and, and I happily work with Arbitra International out of London as a transitional member as they call it. And when thinking about it, I had two options. I could either say this is Benjamin Malek arbitration or I could start something bigger. And that was my goal. So when starting T.H.E Chambers, which as you said, stands for Tribal Hearings and Enforcements, the big challenge was what I call it. And despite the fact that T.H.E, it, it looks very nice together as ‘the', um it does stand for tribunal hearings and enforcements. And that is because I believe that those are the core points that any practitioner will always look for. Uh you need to have a tribunal for an arbitration, you need to have a hearing, any sort of hearing un unless it's a paper arbitration. Um And then the, either the arbitrator or the parties waive the hearing and you gotta make sure that any award is enforceable. So from my council of work that I started off with at the beginning of T.H.E Chambers, that was my expertise, the enforcement part of it. Uh that was also one of the most important aspects that I dealt with while at the ICDR when a case comes in that was the first question. How does the case look and will the award be enforceable? So that is one thing that I definitely learned at the institutions and that I carried with me to always look at the arbitration from the end rather than from the beginning, which is the enforcement stage. T.H.E Chambers -  that's what it stands for. Currently it is set up to on board more younger arbitrators worldwide because of COVID and then changes in COVID, we haven't gotten there yet but I hope we'll get there very soon. Gautam: I've got no doubt you will. And you know, and as the saying goes, if anyone's good enough, they're old enough. And there's no doubt that you and the team bring a lot of great energy and insight into arbitration and it's certainly not something that should be homogenous. So it's fantastic to know that you can bring all your talents to bear. I want to turn next to another aspect of what you do because I know that you are a member of the Silicon Valley Arbitration and Mediation Center and particularly its Artificial Intelligence task force. Now, one of the things that all of us will be very well aware of is that artificial intelligence, AI, is an incredibly happening concept. It's developing and it'll develop more and more and it has its role and will have its role in arbitration. I know that you've been part of the team that's been looking at guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in international arbitration. And I wonder if you could just share some of your thoughts as to what the potential usage of artificial intelligence might be in international arbitration and some of the risks and issues that we should be aware of. Ben: Yes, thank you. So I have been a part of the Silicon Valley Arbitration Mediation Center for quite some time and um when the New York case versus Avianca came out where the claimants council used chatGPT to come up with cases and, and I use that word deliberately, ‘come up' with cases to use against Avianca. It turned out that all of those were in fact made up by chatGPT as uh what we would call hallucinations. The judge dismissed the case and uh actually sanctioned the attorneys. To that point, I realized that it is only a matter of time until this issue flows into arbitration, especially arbitration. We work in so many jurisdictions with so many different parties. And specifically, since COVID, most arbitrations have been online, some have stayed online, some still have a hearing component in person, but most of it is online. And the big question was, do we need guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in arbitration? So I had discussed that with the leadership at the Silicon Valley Arbitration Mediation Center and they gave me carte blanche to see what we can come up with so I was privileged to have a team of experts help me draft the guidelines for the use of  AI in arbitration. My team was composed of Elizabeth Chan in Hong Kong, Orlando Cabrera in Mexico, Sofia Klot in New York, Dmitri Evseev in London, Marta Garcia Bel, which now is in New York, Soham Panchamiya and Duncan Pickard in New York. I was truly blessed, I would say to have these colleagues. It became a true adventure that we all went on when we started discovering what AI could potentially do and what could potentially be prevented. So we took around nine months to draft guidelines. We had no timeline, but we did come up with what I would say good guidelines or a good basis of guidelines in October, we have put it out for the public to comment on. Uh the commenting period is still open until December and institutions can comment until February. And the goal is not to come up with guidelines that people can use, but to get a full consensus of the arbitration community on how they would like to use these guidelines and what they believe is relevant. If something is not relevant, then there's no reason for us to have it in there. So that was the whole idea behind it. The other aspect we were looking at was when it came to cybersecurity, each institution came up with their own guidelines and quite frankly, they use different words, but they're saying the same thing. And we are hoping to avoid having several guidelines on AI and to comprise it all into one. I think it's gonna be a very difficult task. I'm not sure we will succeed, but we are giving all institutions the opportunity to give their input or it submits their commentary to the guidelines so that every practitioner could look into the commentary for the respective institution when the case goes to arbitration. We were looking at several aspects regarding the use of artificial intelligence in arbitration. Two main aspects are disclosure and confidentiality. With regards to disclosure, we actually have an open option for the community to vote on. And that is whether a two prong test should be used to decide whether a party or the arbitrator should disclose the use of artificial intelligence or whether it should always be up to the parties to decide or to as the tribunal for opposing party to disclose the use of artificial intelligence. We weren't sure internally, we debated heavily and we came to the conclusion to leave that question up for the public to decide on. Um it did come back or as of now, the results are interesting, which is that in Europe, there is a more libertarian approach. Whereas uh the US and some common law jurisdictions voted for a two prong test, which I believe to be quite interesting, uh quite frankly. Um if this continues to be open ended, we might leave it up to the parties to decide which option they would ever put in. But ultimately, the goal is to draw awareness of the use of AI to let parties and arbitrators as well as council understand that artificial intelligence is not open ended. That if it's used outside a closed circuit information can be leaked or can be disclosed one way or another and to just draw attention to the fact that A I can only be used to disclose information, but also to create other sorts of the information that would otherwise not be there. Whether that is good or bad will be up to the parties to decide, but it is important to understand what AI can do and what the consequences are. Gautam: I agree with you and it's something that's gonna develop and develop. There's no doubt about that and we've not seen the last of it. I mean, it's gonna be happening for sure. And we just have to see what does transpire, but look, thank you for your great work on everything you're doing. You're not just, you know, doing arbitrations, you're doing thought leadership, you're driving all of these things and it's really great. And uh I'm just, you know, and I look forward to talking to you more about these things as these things progress. Now with these podcasts, we, we always end our podcast with a little bit of lighthearted conversation because I think our listeners will have got a really good handle on your incredible talent in the course of this podcast, your thoughtfulness and your experience. What I want them to also get a feel of is some of the more fun side of things. Now, I know Ben that you are a very proud daddy to a couple of daughters, one of whom is really a newborn. And uh, and I've, and I'm just so ecstatic for you and Rebeca on your two daughters. But let me ask you this when you do have some spare time from not being a, a very busy daddy as well as a very busy arbitrator. What sort of music do you particularly enjoy listening to? Have you got any favorite bands or groups or singers or even a favorite album that you love to play? Ben: Regarding music that's an interesting topic. Before I went on my dentistry career I actually worked in music management. Gautam: you are so multitalented. It's unbelievable. Go on. Sorry. I just could not resist saying that. Ben: Yeah. No, thank you. It's uh I, I just like life. I like life. Life is important. It's what drives us. I will say this and, and you know, thank you for the question. But we all live to work, but we also work to primarily live. And I think it's really important to, to, to know that I always believe that one of the most important things in life is to live and to know how to live. So, uh I did get into music management very early in my life. We were host to several big names, but to answer your question, my favorite music, as I always said is good music. I especially nowadays where the charts are filled with explicit lyrics. I actually like to go back to the Beatles. The Beatles are one of the foundations I believe of modern music. Now, given the fact that a new song was actually just released with the help of AI, I think that it's, it's worth to go back and, um, and really understand the changes that as Sir Paul McCartney, um and his colleagues have made. Yeah, I would definitely call The Beatles my favorite music. Gautam: Oh, fantastic. Well, it's, you know, that's a great choice. And, uh, you know, again, as a first, I've never done a podcast with someone who worked in music management, then who, who became a dentist and then became a lawyer and who can speak about 10 languages. So this is a complete first for me. So let me just ask you one last question in this podcast. So, you know, you are a very international person and we ascertain that just from speaking to you in the course of this podcast and you've no doubt traveled very widely because you've worked around the world in many places. Is there one place apart from where you grew up, okay, so excluding that, is there one place in the world - and excluding New York where you live - ok, Is there one place that you just love traveling to? Ben: Oh. That's a difficult question. I would have to say, I've always enjoyed traveling to London. My brother is actually a physicist and he did his PhD in Cambridge. I thought those were the most fun trips I've ever had. To fly to London Cambridge is, is amazing. Uh Whoever hasn't been uh it is really missing out. London is just stunning. I mean, the amount of history and just the culture and the multiculture you have. It's, it's just, it's great. Um I guess uh deep down I am a European so London is always there. Paris is absolutely yeah, romantic. I mean, I am married with two kids so Paris is always, it is always a good idea. Gautam: Yes. Ben: Yeah. The only thing I would add is I love, I would love to see more of the world. I do want to travel and see places. I I've never been, I haven't been to Australia yet, but in general, I would love to go see, I hope to go to Hong Kong maybe during ICA, maybe not, but just to see Hong Kong and see uh see more than I have seen yet. Gautam: Fantastic. Well, look, Ben. Thank you. It's been an absolute delight to speak to you in this podcast. Thank you for being such a superb guest and for sharing all of your stories and your background, your thoughts. And uh I look forward to seeing you very soon. You know, I hope you'll because we're recording this podcast on a Friday. So I hope that you will have a great weekend and I look forward to seeing you in person soon. Thank you. Ben: Thank you so much Gautam, Likewise. And if I may just end on one note, I do wanna thank my wife. I don't think I would be the person I am without her. And she inspires me to be a better person every day. Gautam: You know that I, I think that's so fitting Ben. And I'm gonna say this in response, I'm going to say two quick things in response to that. One, you're absolutely correct because I have the great honor and privilege of knowing Rebeca. And I know that she's a wonderful, wonderful lady and you are indeed very lucky to have her. And I also will say the second thing I will say is that many years ago, a judge got sworn in as a Supreme court judge here and one of the former Supreme court judges who was giving a speech when he became a judge said that behind every successful man, there's a surprised woman and Rebeca shouldn't be surprised at how successful you've been. But you know, you are very fortunate to have her. So thank you for mentioning her. Ben: Thank you. And thank you for having me, Gautam. It was an absolute pleasure looking forward to meeting you in person. Gautam: Looking forward to that. Outro: Arbitral Insights is a Reed Smith production. Our producer is Ali McCardell. For more information about Reed Smith's Global International Arbitration practice, email arbitralinsights@reedsmith.com. To learn about the Reed Smith Arbitration Pricing Calculator, a first of its kind mobile app that forecasts the cost of arbitration around the world, search arbitration pricing calculator on reedsmith.com or download for free through the Apple and Google Play app stores. You can find our podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google Play, Stitcher, reedsmith.com and our social media accounts at Reed Smith LLP on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice and is not intended to establish an attorney client relationship nor is it intended to suggest or establish standards of care applicable to particular lawyers in any given situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, any views, opinions or comments made by any external guest speaker are not to be attributed to Reed Smith LLP or its individual lawyers. All rights reserved. Transcript is auto-generated.

The Greater Richmond Community Mediation Center, a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization, recently opened. The virtual center has a roster of mediators with a variety of expertise, and offers alternative dispute resolution services such as mediation, facilitation, negotiation, arbitration, conciliation, community dialogues, judicial/court mediation, conflict coaching and difficult family conversations.  Meetings can take place on Zoom or in person at a variety of public sites with private spaces, and can focus on employer/employee issues, building group consensus, consumer disputes, homeowners' associations, neighbor disputes and more. GRCMC also provides education and training for judicial court certification mediation, community mediation, facilitation, non-violent communication, leading...Article LinkSupport the show

Learning how to smash the stigma on prenups can be overwhelming, but you're not alone! Check out these 5 Fresh Tips to help you smash the stigma on prenuptial agreements with divorce lawyer, Jolee Vacchi. Foundations Family Law & Mediation Center is a boutique family law practice based in Worcester County, Massachusetts. We strive to resolve family law conflicts as painlessly and peacefully as possible. Our approach is caring and dignified. While not afraid to utilize strong tactics if needed, the preferred method is respectful and amicable, especially when children are involved. We firmly believe that something beautiful can be made from something broken, and we will be with you every step of the way to help you build a solid foundation for the future you deserve. A future filled with freedom, stability, and peace of mind. As one client says, “Jolee made me feel like I could actually breathe and relax for the first time! I had no doubt she was going to put her everything into my case and that's exactly what she did. She always got back to my messages and phone calls in a very timely manner and never made me feel like an inconvenience or like my questions were silly. I will always go to Jolee for help!” You can learn more about Jolee Vacchi on her Fresh Starts profile.

The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement was awarded $27 million for tourism management; HPR's Sabrina Bodon discusses property taxes; West Hawaiʻi Mediation Center on recent legislative session funding cuts; South Asian immigrant on belonging and Hawai'i

Join me, Savy with my guests Katie Ranney of the Mediation Center of the Pacific and Kamaka Jingao of Financial Benefits Insurance. The Caring Caregiver Show, brought to you by Gimme A Break and sponsored by Givers Guides online magazine, your guide to Caregiving! We're here to bring back the joy of Caregiving, we're here for your support, to bring you resources that you need, because we know you're tired and frustrated and you DESERVE some "CARING"From this Episode:The Mediation Center of the Pacific - A not for profit corporation that was one of the earliest established community mediation centers in the nation: Over the years, the Mediation Center has developed programs and processes that meet the unique needs of Hawaii's culturally diverse populations. Kamaka Jingao - Helping you choose your Medicare Plans! With Medicare you have options. Letʻs help you find those options and maximize your benefits!Our Resources:Gimme A Break - Non-profit for caregivers aiming to bring back joy to caregiving, free weekly support sessions offering caregivers a chance to relax, renew, resource and revive. Register or register a caregiver for a break.Givers Guides Magazine - The complete caregiver resource guide. Get your first issue today, as 100% of all profits are donated to support Gimme A Break.Your Host:Savy Makalena - founder of Gimme a Break and Givers Guides Connect with the Caring Caregiver Show:Facebook Page: Caring Caregiver ShowInstagram: caringcaregivershowWebsite: www.caringcaregivershow.comFacebook Group: Click here to join

Join me for an “out of this world” conversation with Becc Nelson.   Rebecca (Becc) Nelson has been in the business of assisting people in their pursuit of transformation since 1992. Becc's work focuses on those who are inspired to move to the next level of their lives but find themselves repeating patterns of behavior that no longer serve them, keeping them stuck and feeling frustrated. Becc has a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a licensed chemical dependency professional and marriage and family therapist. She is also an ordained minister. She has worked in a variety of levels of treatment in the mental health and substance abuse fields, as well as spiritual coaching. Though her clients range from children to older adults, her special passion lies in helping individuals and couples function at their highest level, in their relationship and as co-parents.   In 2010, Becc and her husband Ed opened their own healing and transformational business, Hope Counseling and Mediation Center, INC, where they offer individual and couple's  therapy, divorce mediation, and spiritual coaching. Becc uses an approach to therapy and transformation she calls the “Loving Authority,” combining systemic approaches to identifying and solving dysfunctional patterns. This approach allows Becc to assertively approach transformation with the direct energy needed to inspire both motivation and changes in attitudes and behavior her clients want and need but have become too overwhelmed and exhausted to manage alone. Becc is available for spiritual coaching for individuals and couples, psychic and mediumistic readings, various metaphysical/spiritual classes, and angel readings. She also is available for speaking engagements and performing weddings and celebrations of life.   Becc currently lives on her historic farm property in Rhode Island with Ed and a variety of animals, including two horses, Gold N InPhinity and Co-Author.   Ways to connect: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HopeCounselingRI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccnelson/ Website: www.beccnelson.com   For information about Lisa's products and services, visit: www.DrLisaJThompson.com  

Susan Jordan, Executive Director, Susquehanna Valley Mediation Center, with Terrell Mosely, and an update on the mission and work of their growing non-profit, the work of their volunteer mediators, their 12 years of working to helping people and businesses with constructive responses to conflict. We'll talk about their trainings, other opportunities and I'll ask about our national body politic (our division and the state of our nation).

Welcome to Season 6, Episode 4 of the Caring Caregiver Show, sponsored by Givers Guides online magazine, your guide to Caregiving! We are lifelong caregivers on a mission to bring community to those who selflessly put others first. We want you to know that you too have a hand to hold and when together, we can make the caregiver journey a little easier for us all. We're here to bring back the joy of Caregiving, we help Caregivers RELAX – RENEW –RESOURCE – REVIVE, because we know you're tired and frustrated and you DESERVE some "CARING" Join me as we welcome Katie Ranney - Program Development Director at The Mediation Center of the Pacific, an Experienced Facilitator who is here to help YOU when you get stuck between Family and the Caree! From this Episode:The Medication Center of the Pacific - A not for profit corporation that was one of the earliest established community mediation centers in the nation: Over the years, the Mediation Center has developed programs and processes that meet the unique needs of Hawaii's culturally diverse populations. Our Resources:Gimme A Break - Non-profit for caregivers aiming to bring back joy to caregiving, free weekly support sessions offering caregivers a chance to relax, renew, resource and revive. Register or register a caregiver for a break.Givers Guides Magazine - The complete caregiver resource guide. Get your first issue today, as 100% of all profits are donated to support Gimme A Break.Your Host:Savy Makalena - founder of Gimme a Break and Givers Guides Connect with the Caring Caregiver Show:Facebook Page: Caring Caregiver Show with Evan & SavyInstagram: caringcaregivershowWebsite: www.caringcaregivershow.comFacebook Group: Click here to join

In this episode, Veronica talks to Raven Cruz Loaiza, the Mediation Response Coordinator for the newly developed Mediation Response Unit (MRU) at the Dayton Mediation Center located in Dayton, Ohio.  Listen to this episode to learn about how this innovative program provides mediation in order to work on improving community police relations.   About the Dayton Mediation Response Unit:   "We are a City of Dayton program under the umbrella of the Dayton Mediation Center and are an alternative response team that responds to low emergent 911 calls within the City of Dayton. Our program was formulated after the police reform talks began in 2020 and the working groups identified recommendations for the community of Dayton. We are a team of five trained responders with a wealth of experience and certification in areas such as crisis response, de-escalation, conflict resolution and community development and relationship building."   Dayton Mediation Response Unit Website   About Raven Cruz Loaiza:   Raven is the Mediation Response Coordinator for the newly developed Mediation Response Unit (MRU) at the Dayton Mediation Center located in Dayton, Ohio. The MRU derived from the City of Dayton's police reform initiatives and is in place to provide the community of Dayton with on scene alternate response options for non-violent incidences that arise.   Raven has two decades of experience working in law enforcement, children's services, juvenile probation and victim services.   Raven is a Licensed Social Worker who holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Louisville as well as a Bachelor Degree in Social Work and a Bachelor in Criminal Justice from Wright State University. Raven is also a Registered Advocate in the State of Ohio.

On this episode of the #DivorcePodcast, our mediators and attorneys discuss if an uncontested #Divorce process is right for you. The #DivorcePodcast is a joint production of Wesley Clark and Peshkin LLP and The Mediation Center. Listen to all of our podcasts on your favorite app or visit our website - https://wcplaw.com/podcasts/ ! #DivorceAttorneys #Mediation #CollaborativeLaw #FamilyLaw #UncontestedDivorce

In this episode Aaron Primm, Program Manager for the Dayton Mediation Center's Landlord/Tenant Homelessness Prevention Program, talks with Marcus and Amber about their experience with avoiding an eviction proceeding, and the help the City provided them with.

This past weekend, Baltimore Ceasefire 365 coordinated a number of events to call attention to the pain and trauma caused by the excessive levels of violence in our city. Ceasefire Weekends are held four times a year, and after each one, we pause here on Midday to reflect on how all of us can act to reduce violence and heal those who are broken by it. Joining Tom today are Erricka Bridgeford.  She's a co-organizer of Baltimore Ceasefire 365 and the Executive Director of the Baltimore Community Mediation Center, which she co-founded in 1995 with Tom's other two guests: Letrice Gant is another co-organizer of Baltimore Ceasefire and the Mediation Center's Deputy Director… Michelle Herringis also a co-organizer of Baltimore Ceasefire and the Mediation Center's Neighborhood Peace Coordinator… They all join us on Zoom from Baltimore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

on Leading episode 17 features Kerry Beck, clinical supervisor with Shalom Counseling and Mediation Center. Kerry shares about how his few months in a direct care position at his first post-graduate job gave him a better understanding and more insight into what direct care people experience and the challenges they face when he moved into clinical, and then administrative positions. He also talks about where he got his passion for the work he does. Welcome to on Leading – a video podcast series exploring conversations on leading with authenticity with leaders, staff and board members of MHS member organizations, as well as MHS staff. We hope that through these brief snippets, you'll hear perspectives on leadership that inspire you and connect you with this caring community. While the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic inspired this undertaking, we know that leading with authenticity is a calling that extends beyond the complexities of this moment. Leadership happens in any role within the organization.

On this episode of the #DivorcePodcast, our professionals discuss the importance of Estate Planning when going through a #Divorce. The #DivorcePodcast is a joint production of Wesley Clark and Peshkin LLP and The Mediation Center. Listen to all of our podcasts on your favorite app or visit our website - https://wcplaw.com/podcasts/ ! #DivorceAttorneys #Mediation #CollaborativeLaw #FamilyLaw #EstatePlanning

Tracey Wiltgen on MCP its Role and Value. The host for this show is Chuck Crumpton. The guest is Tracey Wiltgen. The genesis, evolution, role and value of the Mediation Center of the Pacific in community access to justice and equitable solutions. The ThinkTech YouTube Playlist for this show is https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQpkwcNJny6l97L9SHRP40PaPAEyZaWsL Please visit our ThinkTech website at https://thinktechhawaii.com and see our Think Tech Advisories at https://thinktechadvisories.blogspot.com.

Today, Maryellen chats with Rochester's Renée LaPoint, president of The Mediation Center. Hear about the importance of mediation and why it's okay to ask for help when it comes to your relationship. You have OPTIONS!Connect with Renée:mediationctr.com/renee-lapoint/Connect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast

On this episode of the #DivorcePodcast, our professionals discuss entering the #divorce process with the proper expectations and intentions. The #DivorcePodcast is a joint production of Wesley Clark and Peshkin LLP and The Mediation Center. Listen to all of our podcasts on your favorite app or visit our website - https://wcplaw.com/podcasts/ ! #DivorceAttorneys #Mediation #CollaborativeLaw #FamilyLaw

Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino on hopes of raising hotel room tax rates; head of the State Health Department's Food Safety Branch Peter Oshiro on the difficulties of regulating restaurants as pandemic restrictions are relaxed; the Executive Director of the Mediation Center of the Pacific Tracey Wiltgen on how Act 57 changes state eviction procedures; and PIDGINMOJI owner Ka'ohele Carlos on expanding his business from local emojis to a lifestyle brand and fortune cookies.

June 30th: Omar Guerrero covers the County Sheriff's Office budget and a recent conference regarding Body-Worn Cameras in Sarasota County and City. Omar also talks to Joyce Fitzpatrick about her initiative to launch the first Community Mediation Center in the area.

The Divorce Podcast addresses many of the questions that couples have when considering divorce or family law matters.  It is a joint production of Wesley Clark and Peshkin LLP and The Mediation Center. Thanks for Listening! #DivorceAttorneys #Mediation #CollaborativeLaw. www.wcplaw.com www.mediationctr.com    

The Divorce Podcast addresses many of the questions that couples have when considering divorce or family law matters.  It is a joint production of Wesley Clark and Peshkin LLP and The Mediation Center. Thanks for Listening! #DivorceAttorneys #Mediation #CollaborativeLaw.

I'm talking with Patricia Ryan, Director of Carroll County Community Mediation Center about the many services they provide.

Susan Jordan, Executive Director, Susquehanna Valley Mediation, co-chair Union/Snyder Prison Re-Entry Coalition's Education Committee, and Terrell Mosley, the Mediation Center's re-entry coordinator, as April is Second Chance Month. We'll discuss the work of the coalition, and the work needed in the community to better welcome people back from incarceration.

Susan Jordan, Executive Director, Susquehanna Valley Mediation, co-chair Union/Snyder Prison Re-Entry Coalition’s Education Committee, and Terrell Mosley, the Mediation Center’s re-entry coordinator, as April is Second Chance Month. We’ll discuss the work of the coalition, and the work needed in the community to better welcome people back from incarceration.

Partners Kevin Clark and Amber Peshkin of Wesley, Clark, & Peshkin along with Renee LaPoint, President of the Mediation Center, discuss common fears that go along with starting the divorce process. www.wcplaw.com www.mediationctr.com

Anyone out there considering a divorce (or who knows someone who is) needs to listen to this episode with Alexandria, VA local family law attorney, Donne Colton. In this episode, Donne walks The Two Jess(es) through the intricacies of working through the, often times, devastating experience of divorce, and offers another alternative: an opportunity for collaboration. For those who are at the crossroads of whether to stay, or go, there are so many fears, questions and feelings to sift through. Donne explains how a team of professionals, those trained in mediation, financial literacy and mental health can enable a couple an alternative to litigation, potentially providing a softer landing for the rock bottom experience of divorce.Donne brings his heart and soul to his practice and handles his clients with the dignity and care they deserve. He believes in the transformational work he offers to his clients, and after listening to this episode, you might too.Meet Donne!Donne Colton has been in private practice from 1986-present. He was an instructor for the Virginia Judicial System at the Key Bridge Therapy and Mediation Center, 1996-1997. Formerly certified as a Family Mediator by the Supreme Court of Virginia, he is a member of the following collaborative professional organizations:Collaborative Professionals of Northern Virginia (CPNV) ;Virginia Collaborative Professionals(VaCP) ;International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).To find out more about Donne and his work: http://www.lawdmc.com/profiles.htmlSupport the show (http://www.paypal.com)

Host and partner Kevin Clark discusses various aspects of an uncontested divorce with partner Amber Peshkin and Renee Lepoint of the Mediation Center.    www.wcplaw.com www.mediationctr.com    

In this episode founder of Visible Man, Jeffrey Hoffman sits down “virtually” with Renee Lapoint who runs the Mediation Center in Rochester, New York. They start the discussion with a little background information and then they open it up to a Q and A session with the members of the discord channel. This chat is full of helpful information for any man going through or thinking about going through the process of divorce and mediation. *This discussion is for educational and entertainment purposes only. When it comes to doing these things, always consult a lawyer or mediation specialist in your own area as laws differ greatly.* Links: The Mediation Center: http://mediationctr.com/ The Mediation Center's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mediationctr/ The Mediation Center's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/themediationcenter VisibleMan: https://www.visibleman.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visibleman.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/VisiblemanO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visibleman_org/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/visibleman/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/visibleman/support

In this episode founder of Visible Man, Jeffrey Hoffman sits down “virtually” with Renee Lapoint who runs the Mediation Center in Rochester, New York. They start the discussion with a little background information and then they open it up to a Q and A session with the members of the discord channel. This chat is full of helpful information for any man going through or thinking about going through the process of divorce and mediation. *This discussion is for educational and entertainment purposes only. When it comes to doing these things, always consult a lawyer or mediation specialist in your own area as laws differ greatly.* Links: The Mediation Center: http://mediationctr.com/ The Mediation Center's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mediationctr/ The Mediation Center's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/themediationcenter VisibleMan: https://www.visibleman.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visibleman.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/VisiblemanO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visibleman_org/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/visibleman/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/visibleman/support

WCP Partners Kevin Clark and Amber Peshkin along with the founder of the Mediation Center, Renee LaPoint, discuss the best ways of getting through the holiday season during marital conflict.   www.wcplaw.com http://mediationctr.com/

Podcast host Howard Miller talks with Les Schiefelbein, CEO of the Silicon Valley Arbitration and Mediation Center. IN THIS EPISODE: Get MCLE content: www.dailyjournal.com/mcle See our COVID-related content: www.dailyjournal.com/COVID Subscribe to the Daily Journal here: www.dailyjournal.com/dj_subscriptions/new Read our news content (for subscribers only): www.dailyjournal.com/articles

Silicon Valley.  The home of legendary companies like Facebook, Google, Apple and many others has created a culture of innovation—naturally skilled professionals from the world-over flock to Silicon Valley to develop networks of professional talent.  One of those networks is the Silicon Valley Arbitration and Mediation Center, in particular its young professional’s group, SVAMC-YP. Three members of their leadership, David Earnest, Amy Endicott and Claire Morel de Westgaver join us in the digital studio this week to discuss their own journeys into the world of technology as well as how you can get involved with the SVAMC-YP and all of its exciting initiatives.Sit back, relax, boot up you Mac (Or PC!) and Enjoy the show! TIME STAMPS:Opening Notes – :34Interview Starts – 2:41SVAMC-YP – 39:45Closing Notes – 58:43 *Note: During the episode there was discussion of a bill currently under consideration in the state of California, for the sake of clarity, please note that said bill is under consideration and has not yet been passed into law. BOOKS & MUSIC:DavidBOOK:  I, ClaudiusMUSIC: Best of Blues MusicAmyBOOK:  Played It As It Lays (Joan Gideon)MUSIC: BeirutClaireBOOK:  Daring Greatly, Renee BrownMUSIC: The War on Drugs

WEBINARS/EVENTS/COURSE:YSIAC Webinar: In a Fishbowl with Crina and Deborah | 17 September 2020. Here.Delos Dispute Resolution, Conversations with Neil:  Here.New Jersey City University & The International Mediation Institute (IMI) Presents Building the Future of Global Business: Enhancing Growth and Investment Through MediationSeptember 17 (Thursday), 11:00 AM-12:30 PMFind out more Here.Tag Time with Kabir Duggal & Amanda Lee, Here.Bali International Arbitration and Mediation Center in collaboration with the Transnational Dispute Management and Oil Gas and Energy Law continues its weekly series of tips for your practitioners. Find out more Here."Meet the female African Arbitrator" a 7-Part series from the African Subcommittee of the Arbitration Pledge. Find out more  Here Canada Arbitration Week running from September 21 to September 25. Find out more Here.Canada ArbitrationWeek Presents Quantification of Damages Panel: Expert-Led Damages Assessments in International ArbitrationSeptember 21 (Monday), 4:00 PM-5:00 PM;Find out more Here.The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Presents Institute Training on Oral Advocacy in International ArbitrationSeptember 22 (Tuesday), 12:00 PM-2:00 PMFind out more Here.The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Presents 15th New York Conference on International ArbitrationSeptember 23 (Wednesday), 12:00 PM-2:35 PMFind out more Here. OPPORTUNITIES:The Medici Law Firm is recruiting a Jr. or Intermediate -Level Intl. Arbitration Associate, applicants must be fluent in English and Italian. Here.The Singapore International Arbitration Centre is seeking an Associate Counsel that ideally has 2-3 Experience to be based in Singapore. Here.CMS Munich is recruiting a German Speaking person for its Legal Clerkship with its intl. arbitration team. Here.The ICC is Recruiting a Deputy Counsel with 2-3 Years Experience to join its case management team in New York City. https://www.talent.com/view?id=ec8faeaff460&source=linkedin Norton Rose Fullbright's Sydney Office is recruiting for both a Senior Associate and Associate to work with their "Class Action", "Intl. Arbitration" and "Commissions" matters. For Senior Associate, +5 years is preferred, and for the Associate position 3 to 5 years PQE is listed. The Journal of Transnational Dispute Management has a call for papers on topics relating to the "Future of Investment Law in Latin America”. Here.Then on September 4, the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) announced that it has launched a research project to investigate “whether a right to a physical hearing exists in international arbitration” and is calling for contributions on this topic. See its site for more details. Here. NEWS:The Australian Federal Government announced that it is reviewing all of Australia’s bilateral investment treaties. Here.Washington Supreme Court’s ruling on arbitration agreements in an employee handbook. Here. Permanent Court of Arbitration announcement regarding “partial in-person hearings” at the Peace Palace in the Hague.AFSA Announcement. Here.Ruling from Switzerland regarding Olympian Caster Semenya. Here. SIAC MoU with THAC. Here.Malaysia High Court decision on Insolvency. Here. Here.The Singapore Convention. Here.

Kehau Costa of Hawaii Island Realtors, Julie Mitchell of Ku'ikahi Mediation Center in Hilo, and Eric Paul of West Hawaii Mediation Center in Waimea talk about the concern about people who may not be able to pay their rent, with at least 22% of Hawaii's population now unemployed.  Although right now there is a state moratorium on evictions, that will end at some point.  Kehau, Julie, and Eric talk about a mediation program that helps landlords and tenants come together to talk about possible solutions that will work for both parties.  (Note, we did put this online as a podcast only a month ago, but heard from folks who don't listen to podcasts and are concerned, so on June 7 it's airing on the radio, as well.) Air date:  June 7, 2020 Kehau Costa, Executive Director, Hawaii Island Realtors Julie Mitchell, Ku'ikahi Mediation Center Eric Paul, West Hawaii Mediation Center  

Hawaii County Council member Ashley Kierkiewicz and Hawaii Island Realtors Association Executive Director Kehau Costa realized once the COVID-19 issues began and businesses shut down and people lost jobs that there could be some serious issues with tenants unable to pay their rent...with both tenants and landlords potentially being in disastrous financial situations.  Ashley and Kehau both said they saw this after the 2008 recession, and wanted to see what could be done in advance to prevent evictions and other issues.  They called upon Ku'ikahi Mediation Center in Hilo and West Hawaii Mediation Center in Waimea, and the Rapid Response Landlord-Tenant Mediation Program was established.  This discussion with Kehau Costa plus Julie Mitchell from Ku'ikahi Mediation Center and Eric Paul from West Hawaii Mediation Center gives the details. Post date:  May 18, 2020

Read the transcript here. Recorded on July 20, 2019 at the Mediation Center in Chaska, Minnesota. Follow our podcast on iTunes or Spotify Visit our website at Triple Gem of the North

Providing the consumer, with knowledgeable Mediators in California Real Estate Disputes. Covering Southern, Central & Northern California.

The RadioRotary co-hosts interview Jody Miller, Executive Director of the Mediation Center of Dutchess Country, and Registered Nurse Carolynn Frankell, who, along with Lindsey Goldstein, chairs the third annual Anti-Bullying Walkathon. Since 1981 New York State has had a program of Alternative Dispute Resolution, which includes mediation and arbitration, with centers in every county. Mediation is a process that helps people talk about decisions and resolve conflicts. Volunteers do most of the mediation after training. The center handles small claims, landlord-tenant issues, consumer issues, divorces, caregiving problems, and workplace disputes. The Center also works with other agencies on issues such as elder abuse and bullying, a problem in many schools. Its serves can be free but some require fee payments, and mediated agreements are enforceable by the courts. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/radiorotary/support

RadioRotary co-host Sarah O’Connell interviews Attorney Kyle Steller of Legal Services of the Hudson Valley and Kathy Sheehan, a social worker from the Mediation Center of Dutchess County about the Coalition on Elder Abuse in Dutchess County. The Mediation Center started the Coalition, which melds social services, local churches, Country law enforcement and health services, other law enforcement agencies, and several banks. The Mediation Center obtained a grant from Dutchess County to coordinate and put together this coalition. The coalition is using grant funds to support outreach to groups to raise awareness of issue and of resources available. When a call comes in to one of the agencies to report an elder-abuse problem, Steller and Sheehan confer on the best way to handle the problem, then provide the caller with the appropriate agency to contact. For example, the Legal Services can revoke powers of attorney, recover money for small claims, and provide similar help. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/radiorotary/support

Kelley Linn, CEO of Transitions Resource LLC, Divorce Mediation Center in Atlanta Georgia and Radio Talk Show Host, Stewart Andrew Alexander sat down to discuss how people considering their options for divorce can save at least $40,000 or more in legal fees.Linn also discussed what people need to keep in mind when looking at retaining a divorce professional and being CEO of the Divorce Mediation Center fuels her passion for helping people to gain clarity around some of the common myths and misconceptions which can often prevent them from achieving their desired objectives.For additional information about Kelley Linn, visit: http://www.DivorceMediationCenter.org, or call (678) 389-1616.To check out the full interview on Impact Makers Radio, visit: https://ImpactMakersRadio.com/Kelley-Linn.

Kelley Linn, CEO of Transitions Resource LLC, Divorce Mediation Center in Atlanta Georgia and Radio Talk Show Host, Stewart Andrew Alexander sat down to discuss how people considering their options for divorce can save at least $40,000 or more in legal fees.Linn also discussed what people need to keep in mind when looking at retaining a divorce professional and being CEO of the Divorce Mediation Center fuels her passion for helping people to gain clarity around some of the common myths and misconceptions which can often prevent them from achieving their desired objectives.For additional information about Kelley Linn, visit: http://www.DivorceMediationCenter.org, or call (678) 389-1616.To check out the full interview on Impact Makers Radio, visit: https://ImpactMakersRadio.com/Kelley-Linn.

On today's show, Divorce Mediator, Lori Grover talked about issues surrounding the topic of Personality Disorders in Divorce.During this segment, Grover, owner of RI Divorce Mediation Center in Cranston, Rhode Island also spoke about why people should take the time to do their research when looking to retain the services a divorce professional.Grover also shared how being a Divorce Mediator ignites her passion for helping people seeking professional guidance to overcome some of the common problems which often prevent them from achieving their desired goals.To discover more about Lori Grover, visit: http://RIDivorceMediationCenter.com, or dial (401) 286-5843.To check out the full conversation on Impact Makers Radio, go to: https://ImpactMakersRadio.com/Lori-Grover

On today's show, Divorce Mediator, Lori Grover talked about issues surrounding the topic of Personality Disorders in Divorce.During this segment, Grover, owner of RI Divorce Mediation Center in Cranston, Rhode Island also spoke about why people should take the time to do their research when looking to retain the services a divorce professional.Grover also shared how being a Divorce Mediator ignites her passion for helping people seeking professional guidance to overcome some of the common problems which often prevent them from achieving their desired goals.To discover more about Lori Grover, visit: http://RIDivorceMediationCenter.com, or dial (401) 286-5843.To check out the full conversation on Impact Makers Radio, go to: https://ImpactMakersRadio.com/Lori-Grover

Today we're exploring an issue experienced by many families: parental alienation. The Hampton Roads Parenting Education Network, in partnership with the Mediation Center of Hampton Roads, is presenting a forum on the topic tonight. Dave McDonald, President of MCHR, joins us. And later, talk of sea level rise is rampant in Hampton Roads, and one artist is giving us a sneak peak of what we can expect in the future. Scottish environmental artist Rob Mulholland will debut his sculptures at this year's RIVERFest. Join us as we discuss these community events at 440-2665 or 800-940-2240 or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.