8:55 Welcome and Introductions
9:00 What Makes People Tick? – Perspectives on the Psychology of Conflict Resolution and Managing the Negotiation Within
David A. Hoffman, Boston Law Collaborative, Boston, MA
One of the bedrock principles of conflict resolution — as outlined in the book "Getting to Yes" — is that people negotiate more effectively if they can focus on underlying interests and welfare-maximizing options. But embattled parties often come to the negotiation table awash in emotions and impulses that complicate the job of fostering rational, interest-based problem-solving. Psychologists have long understood that individuals have distinct sub-personalities, which are often in conflict with each other as they seek to guide our thinking and behavior. The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model provides professionals with an important tool for understanding and managing our own internal negotiations and teaching these techniques to our clients. The IFS model is not about families — rather, it is about the family-like relationships that our internal parts (our internal "voices") have. In this workshop, David Hoffman describes the IFS model and how it can be used by dispute resolvers to promote more constructive conflict resolution.
11:02 Break
11:10 Getting Lost In Our Own Lives†
Robynn E. Moraites, North Carolina Lawyer Assistance Program, Raleigh
Sometimes finding the harmony between work and personal time is difficult. Hear practical tips for successfully finding a balance, the hazards to watch out for and the resources available to help.
12:14 Lunch Break
12:45 Unconscious Bias and How It May Affect You As a Neutral*≠
Shalanna L. Pirtle, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP, Charlotte
Monica Webb-Shackleford, Webb Shackleford PLLC, Raleigh
Danae C. Woodward, Woodward & Woodward PLLC, Charlotte
Our brains constantly process and filter information so we can quickly make decisions, and one of the ways we filter information is bias. Our implicit or unconscious biases are more likely to come into play when we are in stressful situations or trying to multi-task. This session explores how unconscious bias may affect how we conduct mediations and arbitrations, how participants perceive us, and even how mediators and arbitrators are selected.
1:48 Break
2:00 Dispute Resolution Commission (DRC) Rules and Opinions≠
Tara L. Kozlowski, North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission, Raleigh
This session covers the DRC rules and standards applied to mediators during a global pandemic, as well as updates to the rules and opinions occurring within the last year.
3:02 Break
3:10 Technology in Mediation and Arbitration: Present and Future‡
Steve Dunn, Miles Mediation and Arbitration, Charlotte
Ketan P. Soni, SoniBrendle PLLC, Charlotte
Learn tips and best practices for the effective use of technology in mediation and arbitration and look forward to what is in store for the future of the practice. Gain insight into the latest features of popular video conferencing platforms, tips to look and sound your best, and the best online signature services. Then review cutting-edge technology available to mediators and arbitrators and speculate about what could be in store for the future.
4:11 Adjourn
* Indicates portion providing Ethics/Professional Responsibility credit
† Indicates portion providing Substance Abuse/Mental Health credit
‡ Indicates portion providing Technology Training credit
≠ Indicates portion providing North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission Continuing Mediator Education