Dear Colleagues,
As we navigate this moment in our profession and within the ABA, I want to take a moment to acknowledge both the challenges we face and the opportunities we are seizing to evolve and strengthen our Section.
The American Bar Association, like many institutions, is operating in a rapidly shifting landscape—one that demands resilience, adaptability, and a firm commitment to the core principles that guide our work. As the legal profession contends with pressing issues affecting the rule of law, judicial independence, and governmental oversight, the ABA has been unwavering in its advocacy. The Section of Dispute Resolution stands alongside our colleagues in ensuring that access to justice remains a priority, that the courts function as intended, and that our members continue to serve as trusted stewards of resolution and fairness.
At the same time, we must also confront internal shifts within the ABA and our Section. We have had to make difficult funding decisions that directly impact our operations, including the future of this very publication. After careful deliberation and exploration of every feasible option, the Section leadership has made the difficult decision to sunset Dispute Resolution Magazine with its final edition in Fall 2025. This is not the end of our engagement with thought leadership, scholarship, and practical resources—far from it. Instead, we have asked the members of the newly formed Beyond the Pages Task Force to explore dynamic digital offerings to allow for greater accessibility, interaction, and relevance in how we deliver valuable content to our members. We look forward to sharing more about this transition in the coming months.
Even in the face of change, we find reasons for optimism. Nowhere is this more evident than in our upcoming Spring Conference, which will launch in an innovative new format. This year, we are reimagining how we convene—offering a streamlined two-day experience in a cutting-edge venue that blends in-person and, for the first time, live-streamed and online content. This bold move ensures that more professionals than ever can participate, engage, and benefit from our programming. It is a testament to our ability to meet the moment and transform challenges into opportunities.
Change is never easy, but it is often necessary for growth. The landscape ahead will continue to evolve, and so will we. Thank you for being part of this journey, for your dedication to the field, and for your role in shaping the future of dispute resolution.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the Spring Conference and continuing these critical conversations together.
With gratitude and resolve,
Susan Guthrie, Esq.
Chair, ABA Section of Dispute Resolution
