Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has declared Oct. 19, 2017, to be "Dispute Resolution Day" in Massachusetts. In his official proclamation, Gov. Baker urges all citizens of Massachusetts "to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance." (Read the full proclamation here.)
The day falls during Conflict Resolution Week, Oct. 16-20, when the Massachusetts Bar Association's Dispute Resolution (DR) Section will present and support a series of free DR-related events around the commonwealth in recognition of the many benefits that DR processes bring to the legal community and the people of Massachusetts.
The MBA's DR Section invites everyone to celebrate the governor's proclamation at its October 19 Conflict Resolution Day Reception, which will feature a keynote address by Attorney Kenneth Feinberg, a Brockton native and nationally recognized DR industry leader best known for his special master work on the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund and his administration of Boston's One Fund. Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants and Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey will also deliver remarks at the reception.
There are free events open to the public each day during Conflict Resolution Week. Information for each event is available on the event pages listed below. Don't miss these opportunities to network with judges and colleagues in the dispute resolution community. RSVP today, and help spread the word on social media about this event using the hashtag #peacemaker.
Conflict Resolution Week Calendar of Events
Hampden County Hall of Justice, Springfield
To kick off Conflict Resolution Week, the MBA's DR Section will present, honor and acknowledge the work of court-connected dispute resolution programs in the four western counties at a reception. It will feature members of the judiciary and DR professionals.
Massachusetts School of Law, Andover
The MBA's DR Section will present a panel discussion focusing on youth mediation and juvenile justice. The panel will include students and school administrators, as well as Juvenile Court judges and representatives from the North Shore Community Mediation Center.
Ventress Memorial Library, Marshfield
The MBA's DR Section will present a panel discussion on family and collaborative law options. Offered in partnership with the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation and the Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council.
Cambridge Innovation Center, Cambridge
The MBA's DR Section is delighted to support the Community Dispute Settlement Center (CDSC) Bash, its annual fundraiser, at the Venture Café at Cambridge Innovation Center on Wednesday, October 18 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This year, one of the recipients of the CDSC Community Peacemaker Award is MBA DR Section Council Chair Brian R. Jerome.
Adams Courthouse, Second Floor, Boston
The MBA's DR Section will host a reception in celebration of Conflict Resolution Day, featuring keynote speaker Attorney Kenneth Feinberg, one of the nation's leading experts in mediation and alternative dispute resolution.
Harvard Law School, Ames Courtroom, Austin Hall, Cambridge
The MBA's DR Section will present a special screening of The Peacemaker, a documentary film about Padraig O'Malley, "an international Irish peacemaker who helps make peace for others, but struggles to find it for himself." A panel discussion will follow with Mr. O'Malley and the film's director/producer, James Demo. Co-sponsored by the Harvard Program on Negotiation, Massachusetts Dispute Resolution Services, Commonwealth Mediation, Sarah E. Worley Conflict Resolution, P.C. and The Mediation Group.