We all know that it’s bad to be biased, right? Wrong. That assumption is its own bad bias. Biases are inevitable – in humans and bots alike. Some biases are harmful. Others are helpful. Many are neutral. But bias itself is unavoidable. So bias isn’t a problem in itself. Pretending otherwise is. This post describes … Continue reading RPS Coach is Biased – And Proud of It
AI tools can help students and trainees get more out of simulations, which are key parts of many courses and trainings. People generally love doing simulations but often don’t have enough time to get their full benefit. That’s where AI really can add value. Training the Coach The RPS Negotiation and Mediation Coach (RPS Coach) … Continue reading Using RPS Coach in Simulations
Until January 27, I hadn’t planned to develop an AI tool for dispute resolution . That changed when I Zoomed into a program where Susan Guthrie showed how AI could be used in mediation. A brief conversation at the end shifted from mediating disputes to improving writing – and that’s when a light bulb lit … Continue reading The Artificially Intelligent RPS Negotiation and Mediation Coach
You probably teach students or train practitioners about BATNA – everybody loves BATNA. You may think you understand it correctly. There’s a good chance you don’t – and that you spread your misunderstandings like a virus. So you might want to read my latest Theory Meets Practice column in CPR’s Alternatives magazine, What’s the Matter … Continue reading What’s the Matter with BATNA?
This is a note asking you to complete the survey below. I want to collect the views of as many members of our community as possible. So please take a few minutes to complete the survey if you haven’t done so already. Thanks very much. I am doing a research study entitled “Conceptions of … Continue reading Reminder: Please Complete This Short Survey By Friday, February 14
Hi everyone. I am doing a research study entitled “Conceptions of Facilitative and Evaluative Mediation,” and I would REALLY APPRECIATE it if you would take about five minutes to respond to the short survey below. Informed Consent Disclosure You are not required to answer any of the questions if you don’t want to. Your participation … Continue reading Please Complete This Short Survey By Friday, February 14
“The mediation failed.” This statement implies that reaching agreement is the only measure of success. It also implies that the mediation process failed, not that the parties made a legitimate decision not to settle during a mediation session. When you hear someone say that, does smoke come out of your ears? Do you get hot … Continue reading How You Can Speak Dispute Resolution Well
On October 30, 2024, Debra Berman posted a message on the DRLE listserv encouraging colleagues to drop the word “alternative” from “ADR.” Her post quickly prompted 24 responses. As usual, people were respectful, appreciative, collaborative, and funny even as they expressed differing views. This was one of our best discussions, and I wish we had … Continue reading Choosing to Use Good Language in the “ADR” Field
Last week, University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law named Michael T. Colatrella Jr. as its new dean effective July 1. Many of us know Michael, who hosted the AALS WIP conference last fall. He is the inaugural Tracy A. Eglet Chair in Alternative Dispute Resolution. He joined McGeorge in 2009 as an assistant … Continue reading Michael Colatrella Named Dean of McGeorge School of Law
A recent article in the New York Times described benefits of instructional methods that encourage high school students to take more control over their learning. Young adults say they feel woefully unprepared for life in the work force, and employers say they’re right. In a survey by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation of more … Continue reading Promoting Law Students’ Agency
