MINNEAPOLIS
Friday, October 31, 2025
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM | Check-In: 1:30 PM
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall # 370
3rd Floor, City Center
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Join an experienced faculty for insightful presentations on the latest developments in mediation, arbitration and ADR advocacy. There are sessions on AI, ADR ethics, advice for running a successful ADR practice, and more!
KEYNOTE PRESENTER:
Bruce MacKenzie
Braver Angels of Minnesota
How to Find Common Ground in Mediation and in Everyday Life
Bruce MacKenzie is a retired partner from the firm of Dorsey & Whitney LLP where he specialized in business and financial services regulatory law. Upon retirement he joined Braver Angels as a volunteer in 2017. He serves the organization in a number of capacities including as a workshop organizer and moderator, a Debate Chair for both the organization’s state and national Debates and as an Ambassador providing outreach and information regarding Braver Angel’s mission and goals.
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
CHECK-IN & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
9:00 – 9:05 a.m.
Welcome and Announcements
– Vildan A. Teske & David Y. Trevor, MSBA ADR Section Co-Chairs
9:05 – 10:05 a.m.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
How to Find Common Ground in Mediation and in Everyday Life
In a time of growing division, the ability to find common ground is more critical than ever—both at the mediation table and in everyday life. In this session, Bruce MacKenzie from Braver Angels of Minnesota will explore practical strategies for bridging divides, fostering mutual understanding, and encouraging respectful dialogue across differences. Mediators will gain insights and tools they can apply in their professional practices and daily lives.
– Bruce MacKenzie
10:05 – 10:10 a.m.
BREAK
10:10 – 11:10 a.m.
The Dreaded ADR Complaint—Step into the Shoes of the ADR Board as It Evaluates an ADR Complaint
1.0 ethics credit applied for
The presenters, ADR Ethics Board Members, will provide participants with an understanding of ADR ethics rules, the complaint process, and common ethical issues that arise, as well as strategies for preventing complaints. The focus will also be on improving ADR service quality to enhance client experiences and minimize the likelihood of complaints.
– Sarah F. Novak, Kirsten Stockwell & Daniel J. Van Loh
11:10 – 11:15 a.m.
BREAK
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
What Mediators and Arbitrators Need to Know About AI in 2025
This presentation will introduce key AI concepts, highlight emerging tools and trends, and discuss the potential benefits and challenges of AI in mediation and arbitration. It is designed to help professionals stay informed, adapt to technological change, and consider the implications of AI for their practices.
– Damien A. Riehl
12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK (provided by Minnesota CLE)
12:30 – 12:45 p.m.
SPECIAL LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
ADR Spotlight:
Wendy Moore, Executive Director
Mediation & Conflict Solutions
Rochester
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION A
01
Hot Topics in Family Mediation in 2025
– John R. “Rob” Hill, Lisa J. Kallemeyn & Amber M. Serwat
– Jason C. Brown (moderator)
02
Why Some Mediations Fail and What Smart Mediators Do Differently
– Celeste E. Culberth & Barbara D’Aquila
03
A Braver Angels Workshop: Skills for Disagreeing Better
– Bruce MacKenzie
2:15 – 2:30 p.m.
BREAK
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION B
04
5 Ways Family Mediations Can Fall Apart, and How to Prevent It from Happening
– Jonathan J. Fogel
05
Practical Advocacy: Helpful Tips for Representing Clients in Arbitration Proceedings
– David A. Allgeyer & Joseph L. Daly
06
How to Build and Sustain a Successful ADR Practice: A Panel Discussion
– Amanda P. Athayde, Patrick R. Burns, James M. Crist, Jennifer E. Joseph & Antone M. Melton-Meaux
– Molly Darsow (moderator)
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.
RECEPTION BREAK
Enjoy drinks, treats and conversation with your colleagues in the ADR community!
3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
Shielding the Carer: Understanding and Managing Secondary Trauma in the Legal Profession
1.0 mental health/substance use credit applied for
– Sarah M. MacGillis
LIVE IN-PERSON
Friday, October 31, 2025
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 370
Seventh Street & Nicollet Mall, Third Floor City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
ONLINE REPLAY
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Attend online
Online replay includes all plenary and breakout sessions. A moderator will be available to answer questions by email.
$345 MSBA members / $345 paralegals / $395 standard rate
Other discounts that may apply:
Scholarships available!
Need-based scholarships are available for in-person and online seminars. For further information or to obtain a scholarship application, contact us at 800-759-8840 or customerservice@minncle.org.
Minnesota CLE is applying to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 6.0 CLE credits, including 1.0 ethics credit and 1.0 mental health/substance use credit. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 6.0 credits.
The ADR Institute also qualifies for 6.0 continuing education in ADR credits, which are required by the Minnesota Supreme Court to remain on the state rosters of ADR neutrals.
