All posts by John Lande

Wanted: Public Officials with Emotional Intelligence

It was front-page news in the New York Times that NYC Mayor-elect Eric Adams said that emotional intelligence is his “No. 1 criteria” for selecting top officials in his administration.  He decided that top administration officials must be filled by the “emotionally intelligent,” deliberately downplaying more commonplace credentials, like academic achievement and government experience. … … Continue reading Wanted: Public Officials with Emotional Intelligence →

Call for Nominations for 2022 Dispute Resolution Advancement Award

From Elayne Greenberg: About the Dispute Resolution Advancement Award Given annually through the Hugh L. Carey Center for Dispute Resolution at St. John’s Law, this $5000 Award honors scholars and practitioners whose published empirical research has furthered the advancement and understanding of the values and skills of dispute resolution. Nomination Criteria You are invited to … Continue reading Call for Nominations for 2022 Dispute Resolution Advancement Award →

What I’m Reading – Changing Minds

To resolve a dispute, one or more people need to change their minds.  Negotiation and mediation involve techniques to help people do just that. Obviously, this can be very difficult.  People have reasons for their positions and they may not change them easily. This post focuses on two approaches for changing minds, which are highlighted … Continue reading What I’m Reading – Changing Minds →

What I’m Reading – High-Powered Lawyers Protecting a Ruthless Drug-Dealing Mob

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People in every demographic group and every part of the country became hooked on powerful drugs.  Many lost their jobs, savings, homes, and families and they became ensnared in the criminal justice system.  Hundreds of thousands died from drug overdoses.  Communities were decimated. The drug pushers were protected by high-powered lawyers like Mary Jo White, … Continue reading What I’m Reading – High-Powered Lawyers Protecting a Ruthless Drug-Dealing Mob →

What I’m Reading – What We’ve Got Here is Failure to Communicate

It’s a damn miracle that people ever understand each other. A recent episode of the This American Life podcast provides ample illustration.  Entitled, What We’ve Got Here is Failure to Communicate, the podcast tells several, mostly discouraging, stories.  (Click here for the source of this phrase.) One story describes special challenges due to the covid … Continue reading What I’m Reading – What We’ve Got Here is Failure to Communicate →

Simulations Based on Actual Cases – Why Reinvent the Wheel?

From Debra Berman: I know there have been many discussions over the years regarding how to effectively use simulations in negotiation and mediation classes.  After reflecting on my semester, I’d like to take this opportunity to reopen the conversation and provide you with my perspective. This year, I decided to substantially change how I utilize … Continue reading Simulations Based on Actual Cases – Why Reinvent the Wheel? →

DR Professor Meet-Up Thursday, Dec. 2 at 1 EST

From Debra Berman: Dear colleagues, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.  As we get back into the swing of things, I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you about an event this week.  Please join the ABA Legal Education in Dispute Resolution (LEDR) Committee for its inaugural DR professor virtual meet-up this … Continue reading DR Professor Meet-Up Thursday, Dec. 2 at 1 EST →

How Mediators Can Solve Tough Problems in Mediation

In a recent presentation to mediators in Michigan, I asked the audience to describe what was frustrating in their mediations.  They often struggle when lawyers and parties are not prepared when they go to mediation, have unrealistic expectations, and act very emotionally. Their reactions prompted me to write this short article in the Michigan Dispute … Continue reading How Mediators Can Solve Tough Problems in Mediation →

Arbitration Training Institute and Arbitration Practice Program – June 1-3, 2022

From Harrie Samaras: The ABA Section of Dispute Resolution will hold its 15th Annual Arbitration Training Institute and Inaugural Arbitration Practice Program on June 1-3, 2022. It will in person at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. This two-day comprehensive training in advanced arbitration skills will be presented by nationally recognized experts. It will feature … Continue reading Arbitration Training Institute and Arbitration Practice Program – June 1-3, 2022 →

What I’m Reading – Collateral Damage of War

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War is the worst method of dispute resolution.  In war, combatants and civilians are killed and injured, physical and social infrastructure is destroyed, and individuals and societies are traumatized, resulting in harms that can continue long after wars are declared to be over. People often use the term “collateral damage” referring to death and injury … Continue reading What I’m Reading – Collateral Damage of War →