Sections hosting March 25 ADR Diversity Virtual Lunch

The State Bar of Michigan American Indian Law Section and the ADR Section’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Team are co-sponsoring a virtual Diversity Lunch for mediators, arbitrators, other ADR practitioners, and members of the American Indian Law Section on Thursday, March 25, from noon to 1 p.m.

There will be roundtable discussions of issues that face mediators, arbitrators, and other neutrals. Among the topics to be discussed are:

• How can we increase sensitivity and awareness to diversity issues among mediators, arbitrators, and other neutrals?
• What can ADR providers learn from Tribal communities and court systems, and principles of peacemaking and restorative justice?
• What are the particular cultural interests that affect American Indian and Alaskan Native communities that ADR providers should consider?
• How do we increase the diversity of mediators, arbitrators, and other ADR providers?
• What is implicit bias and what can we do about it?

Moderators include:

— Lee Hornberger (State Bar of Michigan, ADR Diversity & Inclusion Committee co-chair). Hornberger is a former chair of the ADR Section and has received the ADR Section’s George N. Bashara Jr. Award. He is a member of the Professional Resolution Experts of Michigan LLC and a diplomate member of The National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. He is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

— Amy Wesaw (AILS chair). Wesaw is an MSU College of Law graduate with Indigenous Law and Child and Family Advocacy certificates. She currently serves as in-house counsel for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. She is also the secretary for Anishinaabe Circle, a Grand Rapids urban Indian community outreach organization. She is a citizen of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.

— Shawntane Williams (State Bar of Michigan, ADR Council Member and Diversity & Inclusion Committee co-chair). Williams is a graduate of Wayne State University Law School. She is currently in private practice where she represents businesses and employers in Labor & Employment Law, Business Law, and ADR matters. She is also a Mediator.

To register, visit: https://connect.michbar.org/adr/home and click on “events.” Participants will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.

For additional information, email: Amy.wesaw@nhbp-nsn.gov or 269-635-3531 or sw@williamspllc.com or 248-436-2667.