ABA Dispute Resolution Section: 2026 Arbitration Institute

JAMS is a proud Sponsor of the ABA Dispute Resolution Section: 2026 Arbitration Institute.

The 2026 Arbitration Institute will be held virtually and will feature discussions led by experienced professionals on key aspects of the arbitral process from both domestic and international perspectives. Programming will include insights from common and civil law traditions, along with opportunities for smaller group discussions and professional exchange. The program is designed for litigators, arbitrators, in-house counsel, and practicing attorneys interested in developing or expanding their knowledge of arbitration practices and procedures.

Featured JAMS Speakers: Barbara Bennett Esq., Shelby R. Grubbs, J.D., FCIArb, Matthew Levington, Hon. Clifton B. Newman (Active/Retired), and Gilbert K. Squires P.E., BCS, FCCA, DCIArb.

Featured Panels:
Getting Started, the Preliminary Hearing, and Discovery and Motion Practice
June 3, 2026 | 11:05 am - 12:05 pm
Learn how to interview and select arbitrators, prepare effectively for the preliminary hearing, and make early strategic decisions that shape the process. You’ll develop a strong agenda, understand the arbitrator’s role across jurisdictions in both domestic and international arbitration, and navigate issues like direct testimony and party participation. Gain practical guidance on managing discovery, creating a scheduling order, and using motion practice to keep your case efficient and on track.
Moderator:

• Kathleen Paisley, Arbitrator, Paisley BV

Speakers:

• Barbara Bennett Esq., JAMS
• Angela Foster, Law Office of Angela Foster
• Thomas P. Hanrahan, TPHanrahan Dispute Solutions
• Harshitha Ram, Arbitrator & Mediator

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Facilitated Discussions on the Getting Started, the Preliminary Hearing, and Discovery and Motion Practice Plenary
June 3, 2026 | 12:25 - 1:10 pm
Facilitators:

• Barbara Bennett Esq., JAMS
• Michael Borden, Principal, Borden Dispute Resolution, LLC
• Brent Clinkscale, Clinkscale Global ADR
• Jo Colbert Stanley, Arbitrator | Mediator | Special Magistrate
• Angela Foster, Law Office of Angela Foster
• Aric J Garza, Arbitrator | Mediator | Attorney
• Thomas P. Hanrahan, TPHanrahan Dispute Solutions
• Justin Lee, Partner, Wuersch & Gering LLP
• Simon Malko, Partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister
• Kathleen Paisley, Arbitrator, Paisley BV
• Merriann Panarella, Panarella ADR
• Harshitha Ram, Arbitrator & Mediator

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The Evidentiary Hearing
June 3, 2026 | 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Learn how to navigate key differences between civil-law and common-law approaches in both domestic and international arbitration. Presenters will guide you through preparing for and conducting the final status conference, including setting expectations and structuring the hearing. You’ll gain practical strategies for managing time, presenting exhibits, handling objections, delivering openings and closings, and responding to arbitrator questions to run a fair and efficient hearing.
Moderator:

• Shelby R. Grubbs, J.D., FCIArb, JAMS

Speakers:

• Kristen Bromberek, Partner, Alston & Bird LLP
• Kim L. Kirn, Mediator, Miles Mediation & Arbitration
• Christopher Malcolm, Principal, Norman Manley Law School
• Margaret Seymour, Saxton & Stump

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Facilitated Discussions on the Evidentiary Hearing Plenary
June 3, 2026 | 2:50 - 3:35 pm
Facilitators:

• Michael Borden, Principal, Borden Dispute Resolution, LLC
• Kristen Bromberek, Partner, Alston & Bird LLP
• Brent Clinkscale, Clinkscale Global ADR
• Jo Colbert Stanley, Arbitrator | Mediator | Special Magistrate
• Shelby R. Grubbs, J.D., FCIArb, JAMS
• Kim L. Kirn, Mediator, Miles Mediation & Arbitration
• Theodora (Theo) Lee, Senior Shareholder, Littler Mendelson
• Christopher Malcolm, Principal, Norman Manley Law School
• Hon. Clifton B. Newman (Active/Retired), JAMS
• Merriann Panarella, Panarella ADR
• Harshitha Ram, Arbitrator & Mediator
• Margaret Seymour, Saxton & Stump

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Facilitated Discussions on the Award and Post-Award Issues Plenary
June 3, 2026 | 5:15 - 6:00 pm
Facilitators:

• Michael Borden, Principal, Borden Dispute Resolution, LLC
• Brent Clinkscale, Clinkscale Global ADR
• Jo Colbert Stanley, Arbitrator | Mediator | Special Magistrate
• Justin Lee, Partner, Wuersch & Gering LLP
• Edward Lozowicki, Arbitrator, Lozowicki ADR
• Simon Malko, Partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister
• Hon. Clifton B. Newman (Active/Retired), JAMS
• Merriann Panarella, Panarella ADR
• James (Jim) Reiman, Reiman ADR
• David Tenner, Special Counsel, Landy Leedy McGreevy & Winocur
• Nancy M. Thevenin, International Arbitrator and Mediator, Thevenin Arbitration & ADR
• Usher Winslett, ADR Office of Usher Winslett
   

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Lessons from Providers
June 4 | 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Learn directly from leading domestic and international arbitration providers how arbitrators are selected and what institutions value. You’ll gain insight into the qualities of effective arbitrators, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to position yourself for appointments across jurisdictions.
Moderator:

• Jeffrey Zaino, AAA-ICDR

Speakers:

• Todd Drucker, Chief Business Development Officer, Miles Mediation & Arbitration
• Marek Krasula, Director, Arbitration and ADR, North America, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)/SICANA Inc.
• Mia Levi, Vice President, CPR Dispute Resolution Services
• Matthew Levington, JAMS
• Kevin Nash, Director General, London Court of International Arbitration
   

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Construction Arbitration: Differences, Hot Topics and Challenges
June 4 | 2:50 - 3:50 pm
Presenters will discuss hot topics and challenges specific to construction arbitrations, including deciding when arbitration is the right forum and how to select the right arbitrators. You’ll also gain practical strategies for managing discovery and considering when mediation may be an effective option.
Moderator:

• L. (Linwood) Tyrone Holt, Western Neutral Services LLC

Speakers:
 

• Nicholas Gould, Partner, Lawyer, Fenwick Elliot
• Kenneth Roberts, Chair, Construction Law Group - Chicago, Venable
• Kwadwo Sarkodie, Partner, Mayer Brown International LLP
• Gilbert K. Squires P.E., BCS, FCCA, DCIArb, JAMS
   

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 Arbitration Ethics Across Cultures
June 4 | 4:10 - 5:10 pm
Learn how to navigate ethical obligations in arbitration across domestic and international contexts. This program focuses on the practical application of attorney professional responsibility rules, including the ABA Model Rules and international standards. Through real-world scenarios, you’ll examine duties to clients, tribunals, and opposing counsel, including disclosure, impartiality, communications, and advocacy, and how they can differ across cultures. Gain tools to identify and address ethical risks while maintaining compliance across jurisdictions.

Moderator:

• David W. Ichel, Mediator+Arbitrator, X-Dispute LLC

Speakers:

• Diana Asonaba Dapaah, Partner, Sam Okudzeto and Associates
• Lucy Martinez, Independent Arbitrator
• Joseph Neuhaus, Neuhaus Arbitration LLC
• Hon. Clifton B. Newman (Active/Retired), JAMS