By Paula Emery, Interim Chair, KCBA Dispute Resolution Section
On behalf of the KCBA Dispute Resolution section, we invite you to mark your calendars to attend the 27th Northwest Dispute Resolution Conference, sponsored by the WSBA Dispute Resolution section and hosted at the University of Washington School of Law. As societal polarization deepens and artificial intelligence reshapes legal practice, the 2025 Conference, Thursday and Friday, March 27 and 28, offers timely insights for attorneys and other dispute resolution practitioners as we all navigate an ever-evolving conflict and communication landscape.
Our opening keynote speaker, Dr. Chantel Prat from the University of Washington, will explore the neuroscience of communication, setting the foundation for understanding human connection in an increasingly digital world. This theme continues through Thursday’s plenary with distinguished neutral Nina Meierding, sharing insights from her experience mediating over 4,000 cases and teaching at Pepperdine University, Southern Methodist University, the National Judicial College and the California Judicial College.
Friday’s special lunch presentation features a showing of the documentary film “Finding Common Ground: Collaborative Leadership in Washington State,” followed by a panel discussion examining successful approaches to building consensus across deeply diverse viewpoints on environmental policymaking. The conference will conclude with a powerful closing plenary workshop, “Lost in Translation: Communication in an Age of Polarization,” facilitated by Sue Lani Madsen and Elizabeth Doll of Braver Angels.
The conference’s workshop tracks reflect the dual challenges of technological advancement and social division. Sessions like “Copilot is My Copilot: The Promises and Perils of AI in Negotiations” and “Using Generative AI to Advance Your Dispute Resolution Practice” explore how to harness AI while maintaining the human element essential to effective dispute resolution.
This year’s conference also offers sessions on ethics, complex commercial arbitration, multi-party tort mediation, and practical strategies for both virtual and in-person dispute resolution. For example, Ann Marshall will be presenting a lively ethics discussion, “In the Wild: Discussing Real-World Ethics Challenges in Mediation” and Donna Lurie and Barbara Diamond will provoke new insights in “Addressing Neurodiversity as an ADR Practitioner.” For the arbitrator-curious, join Audrey Eide, Charlene MacMilan and Page Todd for “So You Want to Be an Arbitrator?”.
Many sessions offer CLE credits (pending approval). Join us to help meet your continuing education requirements while developing your skills and expanding your professional networks.
Early registration is encouraged, as prices will go up after February 14. Visit the conference website (www.nwdr
conference.org) to secure your spot. For sponsorship or other inquiries, please email info@nwdrconference.org.
