Alternative Dispute Resolution Workshop

July 8–9, 2026
DRI Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois

Skyline of Chicago river and downtown

Negotiation Is Your Superpower!

Save up to $400 when you register on or before July 7!

Save Your Spot Today

More than 95% of all cases filed will be resolved voluntarily, outside of court, and without a determination by a judge or a jury. As such, civil defense lawyers cannot afford to overlook the rapidly evolving role of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and artificial intelligence in today’s litigation landscape. This seminar is designed to equip practitioners with practical strategies to resolve cases more efficiently, reduce litigation costs, and achieve better outcomes for their clients. Through a dynamic combination of foundational insights and advanced techniques, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of mediation and arbitration, including how to leverage AI tools responsibly and effectively throughout the process. From managing complex ESI issues to navigating ethical considerations and arbitration nuances, this program offers actionable guidance from experienced practitioners and industry leaders. Whether you are looking to sharpen your negotiation skills, stay ahead of emerging trends, or enhance your value to clients, this seminar provides the knowledge and connections necessary to succeed in an increasingly ADR-driven legal environment.

What You Will Learn:

  • How to develop a mediation “frame of mind” that promotes resolution while advancing your client’s defense interests.
  • How to utilize AI tools to efficiently manage ESI and identify key documents for mediation and arbitration.
  • How to evaluate and communicate a practical path forward in negotiations and mediations.
  • How and why early dispute resolution is smart and profitable for clients and outside counsel.
  • Navigate arbitration proceedings effectively, including discovery limits, evidentiary presentation, and arbitrator expectations.
  • Understand current ethical requirements impacting ADR, including recent guidance affecting mediation and arbitration practices.

Expand Your Network By:

  • Connecting with experienced civil defense attorneys, in-house counsel, and ADR professionals from across the country.
  • Building relationships with mediators and arbitrators who can serve as valuable resources in your cases.
  • Developing effective mediation and arbitration strategies for neutrals and defense attorneys.
  • Strengthening your professional presence within the defense bar and explore opportunities for future collaboration and leadership.
  • Participating in networking receptions, dine-arounds, and committee meetings designed to foster meaningful, lasting connections.

Counsel Meetings with Major Companies
Take advantage of the opportunity to engage with key industry companies* including:

  • TBD

*Subject to change

Representatives from These Companies* Will Be in Attendance
Engage with in-house counsel and claims executives:

  • TBD

*Subject to change

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Thank You to DRI's Alternative Dispute Committee Leadership

Steve Schulwolf
Steve Schulwolf
Program Chair
Denise Motta
Denise Motta
Committee Chair
Sidney Kanazawa
Sidney Kanazawa
Committee Vice Chair
Marta Schnabel
Marta Schnabel
Law Institute

Discover the opportunities available through the Alternative Dispute Resolution committee and and learn how you can get involved.
Join today and make a difference

Registration Information

Worry-Free Registration: Cancellations received thirty (30) days or more before an in-person seminar are entitled to a full refund.

In registering for this seminar, I attest that I devote a substantial portion of my professional time to defending the interests of individuals, business, associations, or governmental entities in civil litigation. I understand that DRI reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel my registration, without a refund, if I do not meet the criteria described above.

Save up to $400 when you register on or before July 7, 2026!

Register for the Seminar

 Member PricingNon-Member PricingNon-Member Bundle ^
Regular Registration *
(Now thru Jul. 7)		$695$895$815
Onsite Registration *$895$1,095$1,015
Group Registration
(Non-Sponsored)		Group registration is for registering four or more attendees. Members and non-members receive a 15% discount off the member and non-member rates respective to the time the group registration is initiated (i.e. Early Bird, Regular or On-Site registration periods). There is one free registration with every 10 paid registrations.
If you want to register for the group pricing, fill out the form here. Please note that online registration is not available for this offer.
Corporate/GovernmentEffective November 1, 2025, DRI is expanding the Corporate Membership category to include attorneys working for a government entity. Corporate Membership includes complimentary registration for DRI seminars.
  • If you are not already a DRI member, join as a Corporate Member before registering to take advantage of this benefit.
  • If you are a current Government Member, please contact DRI Membership at membership@dri.org and the team can assist in converting your membership, which will allow you to take advantage of the complimentary registration.
Non-Member Bundle ^If you're new to DRI and not a DRI member, take advantage of the Non-Member / Trial Membership Bundle and receive up to 9 months of membership when you register for the seminar. You’ll be able to add this special offer to your cart at checkout.
Discover the benefits of DRI membership.
Note: Trial membership processing can take up to 30 days from the date of purchase. Renewing members and members with recently lapsed memberships are not eligible for a Non-Member Bundle.

*If your membership has recently lapsed, please renew it before registering to ensure you receive the discounted member rate. If you are interested in joining DRI to receive the member pricing, click here to visit the Application page.

Hotel Information

The seminar will take place at DRI Headquarters, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606.

DRI has secured a discounted rate for seminar attendees at the Hyatt Centric, conveniently located in the Loop and just a short walk from the hotel to DRI Headquarters. An additional accommodation option, also within close proximity and walking distance to DRI Headquarters, is the JW Marriott Chicago. To book your room at a discounted rate, please use the link below.

Networking Events

Networking / Cocktail Hour at South Branch

Date: Wednesday, July 8 from 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Pricing: Free when you register for the seminar
Location: South Branch, 100 S. Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Kick off your evening at our Welcome Networking Reception at the South Branch Tavern and Grill along the Chicago riverfront. Join us at 5:30 p.m. for an unforgettable evening of connections and Chicago charm.

Full Agenda

*Schedule and speakers are subject to change

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Time (Central)Session
1:00 p.m.Registration
2:00 p.m.

Welcome and Introductions

Marta Schnabel, O'Bryon & Schnabel PLC, New Orleans, LA
Steve Schulwolf, Schulwolf Mediation, Austin, TX

2:15 p.m.

ADR 101 – The Mediation Frame of Mind

As Assistant General Counsel, Jim Seifert cut Toro’s unsustainable product liability budget nearly in half by treating customers injured by their products with radical decency. The presentation will provide insight as to how and why it worked and how mediators and defense counsel can effectively use these same concepts in their daily practice.

James J. Seifert, Fafinski Mark & Johnson, Eden Prairie, MN

3:15 p.m.

ADR 102 – Navigating the ESI Nightmare: Using AI to Effectively Prepare for Mediation

Mediation success often hinges on knowing your documents, but the sheer volume of electronically stored information (ESI) in modern disputes can make thorough preparation feel impossible within tight timelines and budgets. In this session, HaystackID demonstrates how AI-powered tools can cut through the noise, enabling legal teams to rapidly surface key documents, identify critical themes, and build a compelling mediation narrative without the time and cost of a full-scale document review. Attendees will see a practical walkthrough of how AI can prioritize the most relevant evidence, flag hot documents, and deliver actionable case insights, turning what was once an ESI nightmare into a strategic advantage at the mediation table.

Esther Birnbaum, Haystack, New York, NY

4:15 p.m.Break
4:30 p.m.

ADR 201 – How to Practically and Profitably Destroy Enemies by Making Them Friends

In an adversarial (often defense hourly billing) environment, it is tempting to think strategies for quick dispute resolution are neither smart nor profitable. AI, Zoom, new technologies, and overburdened court systems have completely reversed that thinking. Smart lawyers who can speedily assess the facts and law, build trust, and skillfully negotiate are now in demand. Find out how to practically surprise our clients with just, speedy, and inexpensive resolutions now.

Sidney Kanazawa, Alternative Resolution Centers, Los Angeles, CA

5:30 p.m.Adjourn
5:30 p.m.

Networking / Cocktail Hour at South Branch

6:30 p.m.

Dine-Arounds

Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).

Thursday, July 9, 2026

Time (Central)Session
8:00 a.m.Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:45 a.m.

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Denise Motta, Wilson Elser, Louisville, KY

9:00 a.m.

ADR 202 – The New Frontier: AI & Arbitration

Artificial intelligence is becoming a way of life in the legal industry and AI tools are being put to use in arbitration to assist arbitrators in rendering awards. The AI tools help arbitrators by summarizing filings, as well as evidence. This presentation will address the benefits of using AI in arbitration, as well as provide information to practitioners of what AI tools are in use now and what is on the horizon.

Andrew Burton, American Arbitration Association, Dallas, TX

10:00 a.m.

Break

10:15 a.m.

ADR 301 – Navigating the Arbitration Hearing: What You Need to Know

Arbitration is a formal proceeding and nuances exist for effectively presenting your case. This presentation will address the specifics of arbitration proceedings from the arbitrator’s perspective, starting with the preliminary hearing. Since one purpose of arbitration is to limit discovery, the presentation will discuss the discovery typically permitted, how an arbitrator handles discovery disputes, and other considerations such as dispositive motions and the presentation of key evidence and testimony at the hearing.

Karen Layng, M.A.I.T Co., Chicago, IL

11:15 a.m.

ADR 302 – Ethical Considerations for ADR

ABA Opinion 518 issued in 2025 provides specific direction to mediators. Practitioners need to be aware of these requirements in connection with their negotiations. Practitioners also are subject to ethical rules for settlement negotiations. Ethical rules come into play for arbitration proceedings as well, including whether attorneys must be admitted to practice in the state where the arbitration is held or the dispute arose.

Steve Schulwolf, Schulwolf Mediation, Austin, TX

12:15 p.m.

Adjourn

12:15 p.m.Optional Additional Networking & Engagement Opportunity
12:30 p.m.Lunch
1:30 p.m.

ADR Committee Meeting

Schedule your flight a little later and stick around for lunch and attend our committee planning meeting. Plans for the year and the Annual Meeting will be discussed along with opportunities for leadership within the committee.

Denise Motta, Wilson Elser, Louisville, KY
Sidney Kanazawa, Alternative Resolution Centers, Los Angeles, CA

4:00 p.m.Committee Meeting Adjourns

CLE Information

Earn up to 6.00 hours of continuing legal education hours (CLE), including 1.00 hour of Ethics from this seminar.

View CLE Credit by State

In some states that charge late CLE submission fees, there will be a $100 late fee to report CLE credits submitted more than 30 days after a seminar/virtual event. Click here for details on CLE late fees.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

DRI's Alternative Dispute Resolution Workshop is proudly supported by:

Premier Sponsors

If you would like to learn about seminar sponsorship opportunities, including pricing, or to reserve your spot, please fill out the form to get started.

DRI Cares

Blessings in a Backpack

Blessings in a Backpack Who Will Feed the Kids this Weekend?

Please join us in supporting Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. Seminar attendees will have the opportunity to fill bags of food on the way to the joint networking lunch on XXXXX. Feeding a child before you feed yourself is a wonderful way to support children and families in the XXXXX community.

Donate to Blessings in a Backpack

Additional Resources

If you have any questions that are not addressed on our website, please contact DRI Customer Service at 312.795.1101 or custservice@dri.org.