The 18th Annual Northwest Dispute Resolution Conference will be held at the University of Washington School of Law on April 29 and 30. The conference, co-sponsored by the School of Law and the Washington State Bar Association ADR Section, is the largest regional conference devoted to dispute resolution, with more than 30 diverse sessions routinely attracting more than 300 participants.

This year’s conference features a Mediation Advocacy Track focusing on skills training for the lawyer representing clients in mediation from start to finish — from planning for mediation through closing the deal and documenting the settlement. There will also be a session on mediation ethics highlighting how ethical rules impact and guide the lawyer’s role in mediation.

A nationally known group of experienced mediators has been assembled for the six-session Mediation Advocacy Track:

• “Planning for Mediation” with Cathy Costantino of Washington, D.C.;
• “Creative Use of the Joint Session” with Eric Galton of Austin, Texas;
• “Negotiating Tips and Strategies” with Teresa Wakeen of Seattle;
• “Impasse Avoidance Techniques” with Nina Meierding of Bainbridge Island;
• “Closing the Deal” with John Bickerman of Washington, D.C.; and


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