Arbitrators are often required to rule on whether a party who is a non-signatory to a contractual arbitration provision can be compelled to arbitrate or can compel a party who is a signatory to arbitrate. This area can be tricky for arbitrators and can even lead to vacatur of awards if arbitrators exceed their powers by exerting jurisdiction over non-signatories. The webinar will discuss recent federal and CA cases and point out where arbitrators need to be wary.

Panelists Paul Dubow and James (Jim) Madison return for another in their series of case law updates related to mediation and arbitration. The speakers will provide their thoughtful analysis and discussion of the most interesting ADR cases decided since September 2022. All litigators involved in mediations and arbitrations are welcomed to join in this free series on ADR case law updates presented by the ADR Committee of the Litigation Section!

This webinar will introduce attendees to three of the newly appointed Justices on the California Court of Appeal:  Justices Hernaldo Baltodano (2d Dist., Div. 6), Joanne Motoike (4th Dist., Div. 3), and Gregory Weingart (2d Dist., Div. 1).

Often, including after arbitration has started, the most efficient and satisfactory resolution of a dispute is by agreement of the parties. This program will explore how to balance the goals of the arbitration process:getting a fair and cost-effective resolution while insuring the impartiality of the arbitrator and the neutrality of the process. The panel will discuss methods of facilitating settlement during arbitration that meet these objectives.

A discussion of cutting-edge IP and dispute resolution issues raised by technological evolution and recent developments in the law.  Among other issues, the panelists will share their thoughts on copyright fair use, potential patent, copyright, and other IP challenges raised by AI, and legal disputes involving distributed ledger technologies and the Metaverse. They will address the pros and cons of litigation, arbitration, and mediation in resolving disputes over claims involving frontier technologies.   

Topics include: What are some of the disputes related to cryptocurrency that end up in arbitration? How are cryptocurrency disputes different from other types of financial disputes? Is cryptocurrency a true currency or a speculative investment vehicle? What happened at FTX and do other cryptocurrency exchanges face similar risks? Will more traditional financial services corporations enter the cryptocurrency exchange marketplace? How can Neutrals who are interested in mediating and arbitrating cryptocurrency cases strengthen their Blockchain technical knowledge?    

Aviation technology has moved quickly forward, and what used to be toys are now tools of industry and public agencies. Drones are changing the aviation landscape. How do these technologies affect the law, and how does the law affect their use? SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket company has revolutionized internet technology with more than 4,500 Starlink satellites in low-Earth orbit. Musk’s unmatched power in the stars, including the use of satellites in Ukraine, raise unique business and legal issues. Look up to see drones and satellites and then return to Earth for a great discussion of cutting-edge ADR practices for drone and satellite disputes.

With the launch of ChatGPT4, many dispute resolution professionals have become paranoid about artificial intelligence replacing them. What if AI learns to  play the role of mediator or arbitrator, for a penny a case? How can we compete with algorithms that never sleep, speak 100 languages, and  can read a million cases in an afternoon? Are we destined to become obsolete relics, just waiting around to be upgraded to a better model?