ACR-GNY and ADR Notable Present:

Research confirms the intuitive conclusion that parties who feel well-prepared by their counsel are more likely to reach settlement and report a positive perception of mediation. But what about unrepresented parties—or those who come with little understanding of the process and how to prepare? Led by ADR Notable founder Gary Doernhoefer, this session explores how large language models, trained on carefully selected materials, can provide an accessible “AI Coach” to fill that gap. Participants will see how an AI coach can walk parties through the basics of mediation, explain confidentiality, offer checklists of what to bring, and even run practice sessions on telling their story and listening with a resolution-focused mindset. We’ll discuss both the promise and the limits of this technology, highlighting how mediators can use AI tools ethically and effectively to help parties arrive at the table better prepared—and more open to resolution.

This virtual conversation is free and open to all!
Registration is required.

Gary Doernhoefer graduated from the University of Chicago School of Law and has 30 years of experience in private practice, as an in-house attorney, general counsel and entrepreneur in two successful technology startup companies. His legal experience convinced him of the benefits of ADR and inspired him to apply his skills to the development of technology for dispute resolution practitioners. He is the founder of ADR Notable—a case and practice management software designed specifically for ADR practitioners—Co-Chair of the Technology Committee of the ABA Dispute Resolution Section which was recently recognized for innovation by the Section, and a frequent speaker on ADR technology.

Did you know that ACR-GNY members get an exclusive discount when they choose ADR Notable as their dispute resolution case management platform? To learn more about this secure, cloud-based, easy-to-use system that was made for conflict resolution practitioners and how to access the members-only discount, click the button below.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADR NOTABLE

Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Time: 12:00 - 1:00pm (Eastern Time)

Cost: Free

Location: Virtual via Zoom

Contact us with questions at questions@acrgny.org.

This program is presented in partnership with ACR-GNY's 365 Sponsor:

Diego Galego | Queering Policymaking in Latin America

This conversation will explore how the LGBTQ+ movement in Brazil and Mexico has influenced policymaking throughout history. The queering process of public policy is a way the LGBTQ+ movement challenges the compulsory cisheteronormative perspective in policymaking. Drawing from his newest book, Queering Public Policy: A Disruptive Yet Inclusive Framework for Policymaking, Dr. Galego will share a comparative analysis of strategies, politics, and victories in queering policy in Brazil and Mexico.

The discussion will be moderated by ACR-GNY President Nick Pozek.

President's FORUM. is a series of monthly discussions on timely topics in conflict resolution. All President's FORUM. events are free for ACR-GNY members. Join now!

BECOME A MEMBER

Dr. Diego Galego is an assistant professor in the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) at Rutgers University–Newark. Dr. Galego's research examines how social movements shape the policy process, focusing on queering public policy, governance, and comparative public administration. His work emphasizes institutional, organizational, and citizen-driven approaches to policymaking in federal systems. His research has been published in Global Policy, Public Policy and Administration, Journal of Policy Studies, Latin American Policy, Journal of Gender Studies, and Politics and Governance, among others. His most recent book, Queering Public Policy: A Disruptive Yet Inclusive Framework for Policymaking, is forthcoming from Palgrave Macmillan. In this book, Dr. Galego analyzes LGBTQ+ policymaking in four countries—Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States—providing a novel framework for queer policy development. Dr. Galego is an active member of leading academic associations, including the International Public Policy Association, the American Society for Public Administration, and the European Group of Public Administration–Permanent Study Group XIX.

Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
Time: 12:00 - 1:00pm (Eastern Time)
Cost: ACR-GNY Members attend for free; Non-members attend for $20 (scholarships available)

Location: Virtual via ZOOM

Pre-registration is required.

Please note that President's FORUM. events are not recorded.

Contact us with questions at questions@acrgny.org.

This program is supported by ACR-GNY's 365 Sponsor:

Presented by Dr. Borislava Manojlovic

Introducing our first multisession practice group!

The Interpersonal Conflict Resolution Practice Group aims to equip participants with practical skills for resolving conflicts in everyday life and interpersonal relationships. Each session will introduce different conflict resolution topics, followed by hands-on exercises, simulations, and skill-building activities. By the end of the program, participants will have developed a personalized toolkit for managing conflicts more effectively in their everyday lives.

Registrants are expected to attend all five sessions. The registration price is inclusive of all sessions.

These practice group sessions are interactive and a safe space for questions and honest feedback; registration will be capped at 25 participants and sessions will not be recorded.

The Details

Frequency: Five monthly sessions

Dates: December 8, 2025 | January 12, 2026 | February 24, 2026 | March 9, 2026 | April 13, 2026

Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm (Eastern Time)

Price: Free for ACR-GNY members | $100 for Non-ACR-GNY members | $50 for Students - Non-ACR-GNY members

Limited reduced rate scholarships available; email admin@acrgny.org to request.

Format: Virtual (Zoom)

Structure:

Introduction to the Topic: Brief overview of the month's conflict resolution theme (e.g., active listening, negotiation, managing emotions, nonviolent communication, etc.).

Skill-building Exercises: Interactive exercises where participants practice specific skills related to the topic.

Simulations: Role-playing scenarios where participants engage in conflict situations and apply learned skills.

Group Reflection and Discussion: Share experiences, challenges, and insights from the exercises and simulations.

Takeaways and Homework: Actionable tips for resolving conflicts in real-life situations and practice assignments to apply throughout the month.

Goals:

• Develop a deeper understanding of conflict dynamics in personal relationships.
• Cultivate communication skills that help manage and resolve conflicts.
• Practice applying techniques for handling conflicts constructively and with empathy.
• Build confidence in addressing and resolving interpersonal issues.

Expected Outcomes:

• Enhanced communication and conflict management abilities.
• Increased self-awareness in conflict situations.
• Stronger relationships through improved problem-solving and emotional regulation.

 

Dr. Borislava Manojlovic

Dr. Borislava Manojlovic is Senior Research Fellow and Professor at the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University. She is an expert in peacebuilding, intercultural negotiation, transitional justice, and peace education. Before joining academia, she worked for over seven years on minority and reconciliation issues with the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Croatia and Kosovo. She received her master’s degree from Brandeis University and her doctorate from George Mason University. Borislava is a recipient of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to Serbia for 2023/24.