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Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Panelist
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Lisa Timmons
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Chair, ADR Section State Bar of Michigan
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Welcome and Introductory Remarks
September 19, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. ET
Topic
Opening remarks delivered by Lisa Timmons
A Conversation about Professionalism, Civility, and ADR
September 19, 2025 | 8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. ET
Topic
The Professionalism Principles for Lawyers and Judges apply to ADR proceedings. Wellness is a condition precedent for professionalism. Neglecting personal wellness can lead to unprofessional behavior, and embracing wellness furthers the development of competent, ethical, and civil behavior. The State Bar of Michigan Lawyers and Judge Assistance Program is an important resource for lawyers and judges in surprising ways. How advocates and mediators and arbitrators can address unprofessional behavior in an ADR proceeding.
Panelists
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Paul Monicatti
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Attorney/Mediator/Arbitrator
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Mike Leib
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Dispute Resolution Services
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What Can Mediators Learn from the Small Talk Movement
September 19, 2025 | 9:55 a.m. - 10:55 a.m. ET
Topic
What does research and our own experience tell us about “Small Talk” in mediation? Each participant will learn to appreciate the value of being more intentional about even the smallest, most intuitive, things we do in mediation. Attendees will:
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Gain exposure to research on negotiation and how it can inspire mediation practice.
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Reflect on the experience of the presenter and participants with Small Talk in the real mediation world – the risks and rewards.
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Embrace the chance to “Small Talk” in breakouts.
Panelists
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Dale Ann Iverson
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JustMediation PLC
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Alexander J. Thibodeau
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Warner Norcross + Judd
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Connections: Personal Injury, Employment and Commercial Mediations: Differing Perspectives on Shared Elements
September 19, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Topic
A mixture of one-on-one discussions on various topics, as well as audience participation.
Panelists
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Hon. Patricia Fresard
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(Chief Judge, Wayne County Circuit Civil Division)
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Nakisha Chaney
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Salvatore, Prescott, Porter & Porter Ann Arbor
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Jeff Kichaven
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Kichaven Commercial Mediation, Los Angeles
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Thomas G. McNeill
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McNeill ADR, Birmingham
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Mark Rossman
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Rossman PC Troy
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Ronald K. Weiner
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Attorney
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Lunch & Annual Meeting
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Labor Arbitration Playbook: Strategy & Best Practices for Neutrals and Advocates
September 19, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Topic
This interactive program is tailored for arbitration professionals at all stages, offering both practical and strategic insights for neutrals and advocates. Through
case-based scenarios and facilitated discussion, participants will consider topics including preparing for hearings, dealing with issues that might arise during the
hearing, and writing well-reasoned awards, while connecting best practices to the ethical standards of the profession.
Participants will explore:
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Essential Preparation—How arbitrators and advocates (including witness preparation) set the stage for a successful hearing and how to decide between oral arguments and written briefs.
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Opening and Closing Advocacy—Optimal approaches to framing the case, restraint.
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Effective Witness Examination—Tactics for direct, cross, and strategic
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Award Writing—Characteristics of exemplary vs. problematic awards.
The session will close with an interactive Q&A, maximizing knowledge exchange
among peers.
Panelists
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Lisa W. Timmons
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Lisa W. Timmons, PLLC
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Betty Widgeon
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Widgeon Dispute Resolution
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Anna Widgeon
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Widgeon Dispute Resolution
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James Darden, J.D.
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Financial Advisor
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Michigan ADR Case Law Update
September 19, 2025 | 2:10 p.m. - 3:10 p.m. ET
Topic
Lisa and Larry will cover arbitration and mediation, case evaluation and settlement in both Michigan and selected federal cases, including decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court, handed down since September 2024. They may also cover changes in the applicable statues and rules, and significant cases pending at the time of the annual conference. This program has been a feature of the Annual Conference for many years.
Panelists
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Lisa W. Timmons
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Lisa W. Timmons, PLLC
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Larry Saylor
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Senior Counsel, Miller Canfield
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Break
3:10 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Future of ADR: Leveraging AI for Smarter Arbitration and Mediation
September 19, 2025 | 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET
Topic
AI is rapidly changing the landscape of ADR, influencing how arbitration and mediation are conducted. This session will explore how AI is being used by arbitrators, mediators, and advocates in various aspects of dispute resolution, from legal research and document review to award writing and predictive analysis. The program will also address emerging tools, ethical considerations, and practical insights for integrating AI into ADR processes.
Panelists
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Aaron Schmidt
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Vice President Regional, American Arbitration Association
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Jerome F. Rock
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Mediator and Arbitrator
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Hon. Valdemar L. Washington, (Ret.)
Facilitating Public Policy Issues – Inspiring Adversaries to Become Partners
September 19, 2025 | 4:40 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. ET
Topic
Debra participated in an unprecedented, diverse stakeholder group that worked for 18 months developing a state legislative package focusing on water affordability. She will share valuable lessons learned for facilitators guiding public policy discussions. Topics include:
Assembling a Stakeholder Group
Best Practices in Developing Collaborative Public Policy
Tackling Political Dynamics
Panelists offering additional perspectives include Michigan Senator Stephanie Chang, community organizers and advocates, and a policy advisor to governmental/corporate entities.
Panelists
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Debra Pospiech
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DP Resolutions
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Sylvia Orduno,
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People's Water Board
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Nicholas Leonard
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Executive Director, Great Lakes Environmental Law Center
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Chuck Hersey
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OHM Advisors
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Sen. Stephanie Chang
Closing Remarks
September 19, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. ET
Topic
Closing remarks delivered by: State Bar of Michigan 2025-26 ADR Section Chair Alex Green
Panelist
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Alex Green, Alex Green IV, PLLC
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ADR Section Chair-Elect
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Cocktail Reception
September 19, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. ET
Topic
Join us for an exciting cocktail reception on, September 19th, at 5:30 PM ET! We will be gathering at beautiful Saint John's Resort, located at 440 Five Mile Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170. an evening of great company, delicious drinks, and lively conversation. We look forward to you there!
ADR Annual Awards Ceremony
September 19, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. ET
Topic
Join us for the ADR Awards Dinner on Friday, September 19th, at 6:30 PM ET. This special event will take place at the beautiful Saint John's Resort, at 4405 Five Mile Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170. Come celebrate excellence and network fellow attendees. We look forward to seeing you there!