Northwest Dispute Resolution Conference 2027
by Washington State Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section
The Northwest Dispute Resolution Conference is an annual event dedicated to advancing the field of dispute resolution. Organized by the Washington State Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section, the conference brings together professionals from various sectors to explore innovative approaches to conflict management. The 2027 conference is scheduled for March 25-26 at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle, WA.
The theme for the 2027 conference is "Bridging Divides: The Art and Science of Modern Dispute Resolution." Attendees can expect a comprehensive program featuring keynote presentations, plenary workshops, and interactive sessions. Notable speakers include Bernie Mayer, Ph.D., a renowned conflict intervention expert; Colin Rule, CEO of and and Christine Cimini, Professor of Law and Director of the Mediation Clinic at the University of Washington School of Law.
In addition to the educational sessions, the conference offers networking opportunities, an expo hall, and a bonus kickoff webinar with Kenneth Cloke, Director of the Center for Dispute Resolution. These elements provide attendees with valuable resources and connections to enhance their professional development.
The conference is designed for attorneys, mediators, ombudspeople, advocates in mediation and arbitration, human resources professionals, students, and anyone interested in developing skills to help others resolve disputes with compassion and dignity. It offers a platform for professionals to engage with thought leaders, gain practical insights, and contribute to the evolving discourse on dispute resolution.
Speakers(4)
Bernie Mayer, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Conflict Studies at Creighton University
Bernie Mayer has provided conflict intervention services for families, schools, public interest groups, communities, NGOs, unions, corporations, and governmental agencies throughout North America and internationally for over 45 years. He is a founding partner of CDR Associates, a conflict intervention firm headquartered in Boulder, Colorado.
Christine Cimini
Professor of Law and Director of the Mediation Clinic at University of Washington School of Law
Christine Cimini is a Professor of Law and Director of the Mediation Clinic at the University of Washington School of Law. She teaches classes on Mediation, Negotiation, and Generative Theories of Justice and leads the University of Washington School of Law Professional Mediation Skills Training each fall. Prior to joining the faculty of the University of Washington School of Law, Christine was the Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Development and a Professor at Vermont Law School, the Ronald V. Yegge Clinical Director and an Associate Professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and a one-year visiting faculty member at Cornell University Law School. She was a Robert M. Cover Fellow in Clinical Teaching at Yale Law School from 1993-1996.
Colin Rule
CEO at Mediate.com and ODR.com
Colin Rule is CEO of Mediate.com and ODR.com, which became for-profit subsidiaries of the American Arbitration Association/International Centre for Dispute Resolution in June 2024. In 2011, Colin co-founded Modria.com, an Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) provider based in Silicon Valley, which was acquired by Tyler Technologies in 2017. From 2017 to 2020, Colin served as Vice President of ODR at Tyler. From 2003 to 2011, Colin was Director of ODR for eBay and PayPal. Colin co-founded Online Resolution, one of the first ODR providers, in 1999 and served as its CEO and President. He has lectured and taught at Harvard, Yale, Stanford, UC Law, Pepperdine, Texas A&M, Southern Methodist University, UMass-Amherst, and Santa Clara University.
Kenneth Cloke
Director at Center for Dispute Resolution
Kenneth Cloke is Director of the Center for Dispute Resolution and an internationally recognized mediator, arbitrator, facilitator, and trainer specializing in complex multi-party disputes. He has served as an Administrative Law Judge for the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board and Public Employment Relations Board, and as a Judge Pro Tem for the Superior Court of Los Angeles. Ken is author of numerous acclaimed books including Mediating Dangerously: The Frontiers of Conflict Resolution, The Crossroads of Conflict, Conflict Revolution, and Mediation in a Time of Crisis. He co-authored with Joan Goldsmith Resolving Conflicts At Work (now in its 3rd edition) and The End of Management and the Rise of Organizational Democracy.
Event Details
- Date
- March 25-26, 2027
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Seattle, United States
- University of Washington School of Law
- Pricing
- $375 - $245
- Audience
- Attorneys, mediators, ombudspeople, advocates in mediation and arbitration, human resources professionals, students, and anyone interested in developing skills to help others resolve disputes with compassion and dignity.
- CLE Credits
- CLE accreditation pending
Promote this event
Featured placement from $149. Add newsletter reach to 150,000+ legal professionals.
See promotion options →