Show & Tell: Using Data to Increase Diversity in ADR

Despite long standing discussion about how to increase diversity in the ranks of neutrals, there is an absence of quantifiable data about the demographics profile of mediators and arbitrators chosen by insurers and lawyers. The absence of this critical data point makes increasing diversity and inclusiveness amongst mediators and arbitrators difficult. Most everyone agrees there needs to be more diversity, but we lack data to measure the problem and any progress we hope to make

DRI seeks to increase the appointment of mediators and arbitrators in underrepresented demographic categories. They aim to create methods of measurement for quantitative data to set milestones for insurers’, affinity bar associations’, and lawyers’ journeys in learning about how to design opportunities for mediator and arbitrators who are not members of a candidates’ pool for mediators and arbitrators, whose membership is dependent upon prior experiences with insurers and lawyers.

Join world-renowned alternative dispute resolution experts to engage in a lively discussion and a facilitated dialogue about this initiative and the importance of growing the diversity of perspective, experience, and voice in alternative dispute resolution. This esteemed group is sure to bring value to how you consider and make neutral selections in your practice.

Presenters:

Opening Remarks
Douglas Burrell | Partner, Drew, Eckl, & Farnham LLP & President-Elect, DRI

Introduction of Keynote Speaker
Krista Glenn | Chief Claims Officer, IAT Insurance Group

Keynote: Lessons Learned About Voice and Cultural Considerations
Kenneth R. Feinberg | former Special Master of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund

Explanation and Rationale for Initiative
Chris M. Kwok, Esq. |  Mediator, Arbitrator, Referee/Special Master, Hearing Officer, JAMS
Tom Maroney | Partner, Maroney O’Connor LLP & Chair, DRI Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee
Maria Volpe | Professor of Sociology & Director of the Dispute Resolution Program, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice & Director, CUNY Dispute Resolution Center
Dean Martinez | CEO, DRI

Facilitated Dialogue
Moderator:
Rebekah Ratliff, CCLS | Mediator, Arbitrator, Neutral Evaluator, JAMS
Panelists:
Michael Zeoli | AVP, Litigation & Vendor Management, IAT Insurance Group
Joshua Schwartz | Director of Reinsurance Litigation, Chubb
Gwen Larkin, J.D. | Claims Technical Director, American Family Insurance
Christine Renella | Partner, Zelle Property Insurance Practice Group & Managing Partner, Zelle Miami Office
Kenneth R. Feinberg

Closing Remarks
Douglas Burrell | Partner, Drew, Eckl, & Farnham LLP & President-Elect, DRI