Originally from Alternatives to the High Cost of Litigation

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Addressing diversity in the dispute resolution field, as in many other contexts, has gained widespread attention in recent years. For example, see the Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession at www.theiilp.com, and the recent American Bar Association Resolution 105 aimed at increasing diversity in the dispute resolution field (available at http://bit.ly/2INrMys).

Not only does embracing diversity make good business sense as research studies have shown, it also resonates with the values of good dispute resolution practices—especially where third parties, like mediators, are expected to be mindful of and attentive to the parties and the setting to ensure that their sessions are inclusive and respectful.

For the dispute resolution field, however, how best to harness the disparate, ad hoc, and varied efforts aimed at embracing diversity has been a continuing challenge.