The Mediation Committee had a tremendous 2016! We strived to continue to provide our members with enlightening and useful substantive information while also offering enjoyable and valuable social and networking opportunities.
During 2016, our committee offered a wide variety of opportunities for ABI members to learn about timely and interesting issues facing professionals in the bankruptcy arena. The committee strives to use a variety of formats to provide opportunities to our membership: conference panels, webinars, newsletters, books, conference calls, listserve contributions and networking events.
- At the Annual Spring Meeting, the committee paired with the Bankruptcy Litigation Committee to discuss current developments in a program entitled, “War & Peace: Recent Trends and Development in Bankruptcy Litigation and Mediation.”
- For the Winter Leadership Conference, the committee joined with the Secured Creditors Committee for a panel discussion entitled, “Mediating Valuation, Intercreditor and Other Secured Creditor Issues.”
- Along with the UTC Committee, it hosted a webinar on “Procedures and Strategies for Effective Mediation of Ch. 5 Claims and Casues of Actions.”
- The committee issued 4 newsletters, including a joint one with the Bankruptcy Litigation Committee.
- In addition to continuing to offer quality education, networking opportunities and publishing newsletters, several members of the committee published a book, Bankruptcy Mediation.
- The committee also established an innovative listserve that features discussion on topics raised, including “Mediation Friday.”
- The committee is conducting a survey of bankruptcy judges regarding the benefits of mediation.
- The committee is working on special projects, including discussions about the implementation of a mediation rule as an amendment to the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, to make it clear that mediation is a tool available for bankruptcy judges and to emphasize that confidentiality is protected. Also, we are considering suggesting the establishment of small meetings at regional conferences to discuss mediation topics.
- The committee is working on the roll-out of the ABI Mediation Rules.
- The committee will continue to hold internal discussions on mediation topics.
The work of the committee is only possible because of its active and committed board and membership. We want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your contributions and support!