Delegation of Neutrals from Kosovo

On October 22, 2024, the EDNY ADR Department and New York State Division of ADR hosted a delegation of neutrals from Kosovo. United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy, Mediation Advocacy Program Advocate William Bell, and ADR Administrator Danielle Shalov presented an overview of the EDNY’s ADR program and answered questions. Senior Management Analyst Krysta Hartley and ADR Coordinator Kelechi Acholonu presented on behalf of the New York State Program.  

Personal Injury Training

On September 10, 2024, the EDNY and SDNY hosted an in-person personal injury training for panel neutrals. The training provided experienced neutrals with the legal and procedural frameworks in motor vehicle, premises, and Federal Employees’ Liability Act cases. Speakers included Ira Maurer, Jennifer Menna, Lisa Renee Pomerantz, Stephen M. Marcellino, Angelicque M. Moreno, and Danielle Visconti. Neutrals who participated were invited to continue their training by observing personal injury mediations in the EDNY and SDNY.  

ADR at the EDNY

On August 13, 2024, the ADR Department hosted a delegation of Brazilian lawyers, judges, notaries, law students and government employees at the Brooklyn courthouse. Participants were part of a training offered by the University of Fortaleza Mediation Program at Columbia Law School. The ADR Administrator presented the different ADR options offered at the EDNY. United States Magistrate Judge Joseph Marutollo explained how civil cases come before him, and how he approaches settlement conferences. Finally, Mediation Advocacy Program (MAP) advocate William Bell Esq. described how lawyers can offer support to pro se parties in mediation. The ADR Department looks forward to hosting a delegation of mediators from Kosovo in October.  

Mediator’s Proposal Workshop

On June 4, 2024, the EDNY’s ADR Department hosted a workshop on mediator’s proposals.  This mediation tool, used toward the end of a mediation when parties have reached impasse, can be an effective means of reaching a settlement.  Three EDNY Mediation Panel members, Felicia Farber, Noah Hanft, and Michael Levy presented a comprehensive and practical overview of mediator’s proposals.  Participants submitted questions beforehand which were answered by panel members each sharing their techniques and reasoning for the methods they employ.  The seventy-six participants also completed a survey regarding the use and effectiveness of mediator’s proposals before the presentation, the data collected was shared at the workshop.  Our next joint training with the SDNY on Personal Injury Mediation is scheduled for September 2024. 

The EDNY Hosts Panel to Discuss Recent Changes in New York Employment Law

On May 8, 2024, the EDNY’s ADR Department hosted a panel discussion on recent changes to New York Employment Law. Presenters and EDNY Panel Members Robin Gise, Vivien Shelanski, and Robyn Weinstein were joined by practitioners Miriam Clark and Tracey Salmon-Smith. The panel focused on three areas of employment law that have recently changed or garnered national attention. The different perspectives of the panelists led to a lively and insightful discussion before 85 attendees.  Our next presentation on Mediator’s Proposals is scheduled for June 4, 2024

The EDNY Celebrates 30 Years of ADR, October 17, 2023  (Video)

On October 17, 2023, the EDNY celebrated thirty years of Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Jack B. Weinstein Ceremonial Courtroom at the Brooklyn Courthouse.  The celebration began with a video highlighting the history of the Program.  Next, the panel arbitrators, mediators, and advocates were honored for providing an invaluable service to the court.  Former EDNY ADR Administrators Gerald Lepp and Robyn Weinstein received certificates recognizing their contributions to help create and grow the Program to meet the needs of the court and the communities it serves.  Chief Judge Margo K. Brodie and Clerk of Court Brenna B. Mahoney shared remarks on the Program to the packed courtroom.  The celebration featured a conversation about ADR with the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the United States and the Honorable Judge Robert M. Levy, United States Magistrate Judge.  Justice Sotomayor also answered questions from the children of panel members who attended the event as the next generation of neutrals.  Thank you to all who were able to attend.

ADR Advisory Council Holds Its First In-Person Meeting Since the Start of the Pandemic

Members of the ADR Advisory Council met at the Brooklyn courthouse on September 13, marking the first time the group has held an in-person meeting in three years.  The Council discussed current and future projects including planning the thirtieth anniversary of the ADR Program at the EDNY.  The Advisory Council serves a vital role in helping to shape and expand the ADR Program at the EDNY.