Sections hosting 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 proud 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 for the lunch, visit https://connect.michbar.org/adr/home and click on “events.”  After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

For additional information, contact Amy Wesaw at Amy.wesaw@nhbp-nsn.gov or 269-635-3531 or Shawntane Williams at sw@williamspllc.com or 248-436-2667.