Join the Massachusetts Bar Association for Conflict Resolution Week as we celebrate the many benefits that dispute resolution (DR) processes bring to the legal community and the people of Massachusetts.
The MBA’s Dispute Resolution Section is proud to present a series of free DR-related events during Conflict Resolution Week (Oct. 14-Oct. 18).
Among the highlights is a Conflict Resolution Day Reception on Oct. 17, where the MBA will honor the memory and legacy of Frank Sander -- a luminary in the field of conflict resolution -- by presenting its MBA Professor Frank E.A. Sander Award in Dispute Resolution to Christine W. Yurgelun (pictured right), manager of administrative services for the Probate and Family Court Department. For decades, she has worked as a collaborative partner to raise awareness, establish standards, enhance understanding and promote the use and availability of DR services.
Whether you are a member of the DR community, or a member of the public interested in conflict resolution in a complex world, there is something for everyone. RSVP today.
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Conflict Resolution Week Calendar of Events
Southeastern Mass. Court-Connected Dispute Resolution Programs
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 12:45-2 p.m.
Brockton Trial Court, 215 Main St., Third Floor, Room 301, Brockton
Join us as we celebrate Conflict Resolution Week by presenting, honoring and acknowledging the work of the court-approved conciliation/mediation programs in the Southeastern Massachusetts area.
RSVP
Perspectives: Exploring Prejudice, Cultural Bias and Individual Experience
How They Play a Part in Negotiation, Dispute Resolution and Restorative Justice
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
Prejudice has been defined as a “feeling, favorable or unfavorable, toward a person or thing, prior to, or not based on, actual experience.” Contrary to this definition, our biases and prejudices are informed, if not defined, by our actual life experiences. Understanding these differing perspectives and the idea that two individuals may perceive the same exact experience in vastly different ways because of their race, gender, cultural background, socioeconomic status, and/or life experience can be critical to achieving results in conflict resolution. Our panelists bring a vast array of experience in conflict resolution and will discuss how to recognize and acknowledge differing perspectives.
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Conflict Resolution Day Reception
Thursday, Oct. 17, 6-8 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
In addition to honoring Yurgelun, the MBA will welcome special guest Douglas C. Reynolds, Esq., of The New Law Center, who will provide a keynote on restorative justice. Reynolds has more than 40 years of experience in private law practice. As a neutral mediator and arbitrator, he has acted as facilitator for conflict resolution and group processes, and developed and conducted training programs in collaborative law and restorative justice. Reynolds has a special focus on the use of Circle Practice for dispute resolution.
Gov. Charlie Baker’s proclamation recognizing Oct. 17 as Dispute Resolution Day in Massachusetts will also be presented at the reception.
RSVP