Day 1 at the ABA DR Spring Meeting

Well, I had a lot more detail to report on from the opening of the ABA DR Section's Spring Meeting, but the blogging powers that be decided to wipe out my first draft of this post. Suffice it to say, I got to sit in on some interesting sessions today on ODR and eDiscovery, as well as the afternoon plenary session "When Mediators Manipulate." I was a bit bothered to see some neutrals willing to admit they might tell a "white lie" or more in the name of progress. Fortunately, not all the commercial mediators in attendance were willing to place outcome over process.

Tomorrow is the big day for the awards luncheon, where the winners of the student mediation competition and best paper of conference will be announced. Yours truly has also been eagerly awaiting presentation of the James B. Boskey writing competition award for my article on class action waivers in consumer ADR clauses. (Thanks to Kim at the registration booth for my special ribbon, too!)

Congressman John Lewis of Georgia's 5th Congressional District will deliver the keynote address. Should be interesting.