As we step into 2025, the Early Dispute Resolution (EDR) Committee is thrilled to be sponsoring Just Resolutions’ January issue. It seems apropos to kick off the new year with a series of articles highlighting the tremendous value early dispute resolution approaches bring to business and to the community.
It was just under a year ago that the American Bar Association unanimously adopted Resolution 500 urging lawyers and all interested parties to increase the voluntary and knowing use of EDR tools, such as early mediation, ombuds, and direct negotiations. On the eve of the anniversary of the Resolution’s adoption, we reflect with enthusiasm the spotlight the Resolution has placed on EDR, and the heightened awareness and interest for early resolutions that continues to grow across the country.
The start of a new year is an opportune time to reflect on the year that has passed and ask how we might better serve parties in their desire for better and more efficient resolutions of disputes. Building on the tradition for resolutions at the start of a new year, may we encourage a resolve for greater cost-effective and time-efficient considerations in how we help parties find peaceful answers to legal and communal problems.
Last year, the EDR Committee partnered with the ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section’s ADR Committee to present a webinar on Mastering Early Mediations: Strategies for Success. Looking ahead, the EDR Committee continues to explore opportunities to work with other ABA Sections and Committees to enhance the value of the services that we as neutrals, and lawyers as advocates, provide to disputing parties. We invite anyone with an interest in contributing to this effort to reach out to us. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate together in 2025.
A hearty thank you to the authors who are sharing their insights and thought leadership in this edition. We are all grateful for your commitment to excellence in efficient dispute resolution and your willingness to volunteer your time and talents with us.
And, finally, we wish everyone a very happy and prosperous new year!
Very best regards always,
Felicia Harris Hoss & Sid Kanazawa
Co-Chairs, ABA Dispute Resolution Section Early Dispute Resolution Committee
