JAMS is a Gold Conference Sponsor of the National Bar Association's Centennial Convention. 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the National Bar Association (NBA). This year's Annual Convention will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, the birthplace of the NBA. Under the leadership of Wiley S. Adams, the 82nd President of the NBA, the association will celebrate its Centennial Bar Year.
Featured Speakers and Program Information:
Panel Date: Monday, July 28th
Time: 12:30 pm -2:00 pm
NBA ADR Section Annual Panel Training
This interactive annual session will cover key topics in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including impartiality, bias, and culture. The panel will also address interest arbitration, preparing a successful reasoned award, and the use of AI by neutrals. Attendees will gain insights into navigating challenges in ADR, from bias to the ethical use of AI. This session will equip participants with essential tools for effective conflict resolution in various ADR contexts.
Presenters:
- Verlyn Francis, J D, LL.M. (ADR)
- Rebekah Ratliff, CCLS -JAMS
- Dean Burrell – Burrell Dispute Resolution
- Carl Turpin- ADR Services, Inc.
- Jeanne Charles, Esq.
Panel Date: Tuesday, July 29th
Time: 10:00 am -11:30 am
Uncovering the Mechanics of Mediation: Key Considerations for Mediating Sexual Harassment Claims
Moderator: Paul Garrison – JAMS
Presenters:
- Alfreida Kenny – Law Office of Alfreida B. Kenny
- Verlyn Francis -ADR Consultant at Isiko Dispute Resolution Consultants Inc.
- Yvette Gibbons -Employment Compliance Strategies, LLC
- Earlene Baggett-Hayes -The Law and Mediation Center, PLLC
- Judge Denise Langford Morris – JAMS
Date: Wednesday, July 30th
Time: 10:00 am -11:30 am
NBA Women in the Game - Wonder Women Game Changers: Past, Present and Future
This session will bring together NBA Women in the Game to discuss career obstacles and accomplishments in the legal profession. Attendees will hear candid conversations about overcoming challenges and celebrating victories, both in and out of the courtroom. The session will highlight strategies for success and personal stories from women lawyers who have paved the way for future generations. Don't miss this opportunity to gain inspiration and insights from influential women in law.
Presenters:
- CK Hoffler, NBA Past President-The CK Hoffler Firm
- Kim Keenan, Esq. NBA Past President-JAMS
- Karen Evans– The Cochran Firm
- Channa Lloyd– The Cochran Firm
- Tonya Primus– The Cochran Firm
Date: Wednesday, July 30th
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 PM
Employment Law Update 2025
Join us for an informative panel discussion on the latest developments in employment law for 2025. This session will cover emerging trends from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), including recent enforcement actions and policy changes. We will also explore current trends in collective bargaining and labor relations, examining how these shifts are impacting workplaces across various industries. Additionally, the panel will address other hot topics in employment law, providing insights into the evolving legal landscape and offering practical guidance for navigating these changes. This discussion aims to equip legal professionals and HR practitioners with the knowledge needed to stay ahead in the dynamic field of employment law.
Moderator: Tamika Hardy, Esq., Partner– Rivkin Radler
Speakers:
- Shardé Skahan, Esq. , Partner, - Seyfarth Shaw LLP
- April Madison-Ramsey, Esq. - Mediator- Madison Legal Solutions PC/ JAMS Fellow
- Donald Lewis, Esq, Mediator & Arbitrator - JAMS
- Eddie Clopton, Esq., Associate General Counsel - Labor & Employment
Panel Date: Thursday, July 31st
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 PM
Navigating the Shifting Sands of DEI: Distinguishing Legal from Illegal Practices
This CLE program will provide a critical understanding of the evolving legal challenges facing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Recent legal developments and increased scrutiny have created a complex environment for organizations seeking to promote DEI. The session will delve into the legal distinctions between permissible and unlawful DEI practices, focusing on key areas such as the implications of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and recent interpretations by the EEOC and DOJ. It will analyze the legality of various DEI strategies, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, and training programs, and examine the legal risks associated with quotas, preferences, and other race-conscious or sex-conscious initiatives. Additionally, the program will provide practical guidance on how to develop and implement legally compliant DEI programs that foster inclusivity without violating anti-discrimination laws.
Moderator: Judge Randa Trapp ( Ret.) – JAMS
Panelists:
- D.L. Morriss, Partner- Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP
- Brandon L. Dixon, Partner- Seyfarth Shaw LLP
- Jeanine Conley Daves , Office Managing Shareholder – Littler Mendelson P.C
- Jimmy F. Robinson, Jr.-Managing Share Holder-Ogletree Deakins
Date: Thursday, July 31st
Time: 12:30 pm -2 pm
2025 Fred D. Gray Hall of Fame – Judge Denise Langford Morris Awardee
The National Bar Association is proud to announce that nominations for the 2025 Fred D. Gray Hall of Fame have officially closed, and the honorees have been selected.
This year’s distinguished inductees have each practiced law for 40 years or more and exemplify a lifetime of excellence in advocacy, service, and the pursuit of justice. As the NBA celebrates a century of impact, we are honored to recognize these legal trailblazers whose work has shaped the profession and strengthened our communities.
Please join us in celebrating this group of legal giants.