Women in Dispute Resolution

ABA Ethics Opinion 518: What Does It Mean for Mediators in Practice? The American Bar Association Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility recently issued Formal Opinion 518, addressing a lawyer’s duties to avoid misleading communications when serving as a mediator. This program examines what Opinion 518 means for attorney-mediators in practice, including how they describe their role, communicate with parties, and navigate the boundary between advocacy and neutrality. Panelists will discuss the Opinion’s key themes, its application across different mediation settings, and its place within broader trends in mediation practice, with an emphasis on practical guidance for attorney-mediators. 📅 January 23, 2026 ⏰ 12:00–1:30 PM ET Featuring panelists: • John Barkett, Partner, Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., Past Member, ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility • Stephanie Blondell, J.D., Professor of Law and Practice and Faculty Director, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine Caruso School of Law • Thomas Wilkinson, Member, Cozen O'Connor; Member, ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility • Kathleen D. Wilkinson, Esq., Senior Counsel, Wilson Elser; Past President, Pennsylvania Bar Association; Past Chancellor, Philadelphia Bar Association • Richard Birke, Senior Vice President at JAMS, Executive Director of the JAMS Institute, and Chief Architect, JAMS Pathways Moderated by Daniel Serviansky, Section Programming Officer and mediator, with opening remarks from Elizabeth Hill, Section Chair. If you serve as a mediator and want clearer guidance on how Opinion 518 may affect your practice this program is designed for you. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gn6Utw62

✨Some conversations are just better in person.✨ While our ABA Section of Dispute Resolution programming is virtual this year, we’re being very intentional about creating in-person regional meet-ups to build connection, community, and relationships, the kind that are hard to replicate on a screen. These gatherings are meant to be easy, welcoming, and genuinely human. No panels. No formal programming. Just good conversation with people who care about this work. The first two are next month! 📍 San Antonio (ABA Midyear Meeting) 
February 8 | 4:30–6:00 PM
 📌 The Esquire Tavern (Riverwalk) An informal, drop-in gathering. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
 🔗 Register here: http://bit.ly/4aP2uMK _______________________________ 📍 Los Angeles
 February 25 | 5:30–8:00 PM
 📌 Hosted by JAMS at their new Downtown LA Resolution Center, 515 S. Flower St, Suite 4500 Los Angeles, CA, 90071 Enjoy charcuterie, small bites, wine, and beer while reconnecting with colleagues and exploring JAMS’ upgraded space.
⏳ Space is limited! RSVP by February 18.
 🔗 RSVP here: http://bit.ly/3Ngf2mw If you’re nearby, or looking for a reason to be, come join fellow dispute resolution professionals and catch up in person. 🤝 #ABADR #DisputeResolution #DRCommunity #InPersonMatters #RegionalMeetUps