ACADEMY OF COURT-APPOINTED NEUTRALS (ACAN) 2026 Annual Meeting

JAMS is a proud sponsor of the ACADEMY OF COURT-APPOINTED NEUTRALS 2026 Annual Meeting.

ACAN’s 2026 Annual Meeting will take place March 11–14, 2026, in Berkeley. The meeting will focus on the evolving role of court-appointed neutrals. Justice Reimagined: Neutrals as Catalysts for Court Innovation will include sessions on how neutrals are selected, emerging areas of appointment, and ways neutrals can support the administration of justice and serve communities.

JAMS Featured Speakers and Attendees: Hon. Gail A. Andler(Ret.), Hon. Kenneth R. Freeman(Ret.), Howard A. Herman , Jill M. Manning, Esq., and Douglas R. Young, Esq.

JAMS Featured Panel Info:

Effective Communication Across Differences
March 12  | 8:30-10:30 am 
In this hands-on, two-hour workshop, participants will learn about and experience a style of communication that promotes mutual understanding and respect for the humanity of others. Participants will practice listening and inquiry skills rooted in curiosity and empathy, designed to help them cut through the negative emotions often associated with litigation that can hamper their productivity and effectiveness.
Moderator:
•    Hon. Jeremy Fogel (Ret.), Executive Director, Berkeley Judicial Institute
Panelists:
•    Howard A. Herman, JAMS
•    Claudia Bernard, Retired Chief Circuit Mediator for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

How Courts and Attorneys Choose Court-Appointed Neutrals
March 12  | 11:00 am-12:00 pm
How do courts and attorneys decide which court-appointed neutrals to select — and when is appointment the right strategic choice? This session explores judicial and practitioner perspectives on the criteria, analysis, and decision-making processes behind CAN appointments, including what courts and attorneys value most when selecting a neutral. Panelists will also discuss strategic considerations around when appointing a neutral can best support effective outcomes and the administration of justice.
Moderator:

• Jill M. Manning, Esq., JAMS

Panelists:

• Hon. Charles R. Breyer, Senior United States District Judge, Northern District of California
• Hon. Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, United States District Judge for the Northern District of California.
• Elizabeth Cabraser, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP
• Molly Lane, Morgan Lewis & Bockius
  
   

Challenges Requiring Appointment of Court-Appointed Neutrals
March 13th | 8:30-9:30 am 
This session examines emerging challenges that are driving the appointment of court-appointed neutrals, with a focus on wildfire-related cases. Panelists will discuss how neutrals can assist courts and parties in navigating complex, high-stakes situations. Attendees will gain practical insights into opportunities to serve in these critical matters.
Moderator: 

• Douglas R. Young, Esq., JAMS

Panelists:

• Hon. Gail A. Andler(Ret.), JAMS
• Rahul Ravipudi, Panish Shea & Boyle LLP
• Douglas Dixon, Partner at Hueston Hennigan LLP
• Hon. Kenneth R. Freeman(Ret.)