Gender Diversity with Mediators, Arbitrators, and Expert Witnesses

As litigators, we’ve all heard these familiar phrases—“We need a mediator who can really beat up on the other side” or “ISO tough mediator recommendations.” Unfortunately, too many of us who have suggested a woman for the job have been met with skepticism or outright rejection. This type of implicit bias is not only hurting business opportunities for women in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) but also potentially diminishing the chances of a successful mediation.