JAMS Chicago CLE Day 2014

JAMS Chicago CLE Day 2014
Sponsored by: JAMS
June 19, 2014 | 12:30 – 6:30 PM
Spotlight on JAMS Speakers: Judge Michele Lowrance (Ret.), James Amend, Esq., Judge Allen Goldberg (Ret.), Judge Stephen A. Schiller (Ret.)

CONCURRENT SESSIONS:
Select one from Session A and one from Session B
2014 is an A-M Reporting Year

12:45 PM – 2:45 PM | Session A1
Making Mediation Work for Your Domestic Relations Clients

Judge Michele Lowrance (Ret.), Dr. Phyllis Amabile, MD & JD, & Joyce Marter

Domestic relations mediation is here to stay in Cook County. A judge, a psychotherapist, and an MD/JD life coach will talk about making mediation work for your clients.

Learn how to be an effective advocate when representing a client with a domestic relations dispute in mediation.  Topics include:  special obstacles posed by mandatory mediation, choosing a mediator and talking about “mediation style,” how to use 604(B) evaluations to mediate custody, practical solutions for effective conflict resolution in challenging relationships, and 15 reasons mediation promotes referrals to you, the attorney.

12:45 PM – 2:45 PM | Session A2
Pending Patent Reform Legislation

James Amend, Esq.

Both houses of Congress are debating various bills to reform the Patent Act.  These proposals were engendered by public criticism of the quality of patents being issued and their assertion by entities that do not practice them, but threaten others with infringement suits. The pending bills are the subject of numerous articles in the press and intense lobbying by various constituencies.  One bill has passed the House, but the Senate is considering a different one, and it isn't clear as yet what will be voted on or when.  We will look at these proposals from their predicted effect on practice in general, and settlement in particular.

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Session B1
What has been the effect of Supreme Court Rule 243 on Civil Jury Trials?

Judge Allen Goldberg (Ret.), David Dejong, Marilee Clausing, Charles Redden, & Kent Mathewson

Effective July 12, 2012 Rule 243 gives a trial judge authority to allow jurors to submit written questions to witnesses in civil trials.  Differences exist as to whether judges are using the rule and, if used, how it should be administered.

David Dejong, Marilee Clausing, Charles Redden, and Kent Mathewson will discuss a medical malpractice/wrongful death matter they tried before Judge Allen Goldberg in which the jurors submitted written questions.  The group will lead an interactive discussion about the use of this rule and how it may affect outcomes, whether by verdict or settlement. 

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Session B2
Ethical and Professional Responsibility Issues in the Mediation Context (Ethics Credit Pending)

Judge Stephen A. Schiller (Ret.)

Mediation is frequently used to resolve disputes as an alternative to litigation. Under the law of most states, including Illinois, one need not be a lawyer to either act as a mediator or to assist a party during the course of mediation.  However, in the mediation of more significant tort claims and commercial disputes, parties are most often represented by lawyers.  In addition, the mediators selected to guide such proceedings are predominantly lawyers.   And while the conduct of mediation is not generally viewed as the practice of law, codes of professional responsibility have come to be viewed as likely applying to lawyers participating in mediations.  In addition various codes and standards have been adopted by recognized national commentators and authorities which are directly applicable to professionals who act as mediators.  The objective of this program is to present for examination some of processes related to the initiation, conduct and completion of mediations which may present potential conflict with rules of professional responsibility that apply to lawyers.

5:00 PM - 6:30
Client Reception & Networking

Passed hors d'oeuvres, beer & wine.

Location:
JAMS Chicago Resolution Center
71 S Wacker Dr., Suite 3090, Chicago, IL 60606

For further details and to register, please visit our Registration Page.