Alternatives in Dispute Resolution: New Tools, New Thinking 2026

New models. Deeper ethics. Practical preparation. The trends shaping the future of dispute resolution.

Wednesday, November 25, 2026
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
attend via webinar

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Who should attend: This program is designed for mediators, arbitrators, collaborative practitioners, litigation counsel, in-house lawyers, judges, parenting coordinators, and other dispute resolution professionals across all practice areas who seek to sharpen their analytical toolkit, expand their process repertoire, and stay current with the innovations reshaping ADR practice

Learning level: All levels

What separates a good settlement from a missed opportunity? Often, it is the gap between how lawyers and clients interpret risk—and the tools available to close it. This intensive, full-day CLE program brings together leading ADR practitioners to equip neutrals and advocates with the methodologies, ethical frameworks, and emerging approaches that are redefining modern dispute resolution practice.

Across five dynamic sessions, participants will explore structured decision-tree analysis and litigation-risk software, map the full ADR spectrum from facilitative mediation through binding arbitration, experience the alternative methods for high-conflict dialogue, develop strategic mediation preparation techniques, and examine the legislative, technological, and demographic forces driving the future of dispute resolution. Whether you mediate, arbitrate, or advocate, this program delivers immediately actionable skills and forward-looking perspectives for every practice area.

Learning Objectives:

• Quantify litigation risk using decision-tree methodology—construct a Risk Adjusted Value (RAV), identify cognitive biases that distort case assessment, and apply the Zone of Possible Agreement (ZOPA) to establish rational settlement benchmarks.
• Navigate the full ADR spectrum and its ethical dimensions—distinguish facilitative, evaluative, and hybrid processes (including med-arb, arb-med, and collaborative practice), and identify the confidentiality, consent, and impartiality challenges that arise when neutrals move between roles, or offer alternative abbreviated services.
• Apply curiosity-driven and relational mediation techniques—explore the Insight Approach (and others) to uncover the perceived threats sustaining conflict and facilitate productive dialogue in high-conflict settings across all dispute types.
• Prepare effectively for mediation as a neutral or advocate—implement pre-mediation strategies for mediators, craft effective mediation statements, develop offer-and-concession plans, coach clients and counsel for productive participation, and design process elements that optimize conditions for resolution.
• Anticipate emerging trends and critical issues reshaping ADR practice—assess the impact of access-to-justice reforms, online dispute resolution platforms, AI-assisted tools, evolving regulatory frameworks, and demographic shifts on the work of mediators, arbitrators, and collaborative practitioners, and explore pressing issues such as contractual clauses restricting judicial review of arbitral decisions.

Law Society of BC CPD Hours: 6.5 hours (this course will contain a minimum of 1 hour pertaining to professional responsibility and ethics, client care and relations, and/or practice management)

Course Chairs
Trudy H. Hopman — YLaw Group, Vancouver
Lisa Newby — YLaw Group, Vancouver

CLEBC Program Production Manager  
Mary Kingston 
mkingston@cle.bc.ca

CLEBC Program Coordinator
Jessica Hodgins
jhodgins@cle.bc.ca