An Oct. 15 panel discussion in Washington, D.C., was a highlight of this year’s ABA Mediation Week, which is celebrated annually during the third week of October with activities throughout the world to bring attention to the vital role mediation plays in the resolution of conflict. This year’s theme was “Mediation: Successes, Challenges, Trends and the ext Generation: Looking to the Past, Present and the Future.” The panel discussion, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution, looked at race, equality and justice and how lawyers and conflict resolvers can help respond to recent conflicts between communities and law enforcement. Those participating in the discussion were Marlene Sallo, chief of staff and senior counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service, and Tara B. Taylor, education outreach director of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. ABA President Paulette Brown applauded the section for its Mediation Week activities. “Mediation and related forms of collaborative problem solving gives parties an avenue for meaningful access to justice. The parties see those benefits, and an overburdened and underfinanced court system benefits as well through lighter caseloads,” she said.