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Wednesday, March 11 |
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2:00pm-3:00pm |
ACAN Board of Directors Meeting This meeting is for ACAN Board members only. |
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2:30pm-5:00pm |
Registration Open |
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3:30pm |
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3:45pm-5:30pm |
De-Escalation, Protest, and the Messages We Hear and Send Doug Noll will be sharing the science, techniques, and practical results of his approach to de-escalating high-tension situations. He has taught and demonstrated the effectiveness of his approach even among inmates in California prisons. At the end, Lyndsey Olson, a former JAG officer who served in Iraq, will share how her advice remarkably de-escalated protests in St.Paul after George Floyd’s killing despite the violence and destruction in Minnesota, the Twin City across the river. |
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5:30pm-5:45pm |
Sponsor Spotlight & What Do I Do? |
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6:00pm |
Welcome Reception Start the ACAN 2026 Annual Meeting at Berkeley Law School with networking and conversation among judges, neutrals, and practitioners. Connect with colleagues in a relaxed, welcoming setting. |
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Thursday, March 12 |
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7:30am-5:30pm |
Registration Open |
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7:30am-8:30am |
Continental Breakfast |
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8:30am-10:30am |
Effective Communication Across Differences In this hands-on, two-hour workshop, participants will learn about and experience a style of communication that promotes mutual understanding and respect for the humanity of others. Participants will practice listening and inquiry skills rooted in curiosity and empathy, designed to help them cut through the negative emotions often associated with litigation that can hamper their productivity and effectiveness. |
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10:30am-10:45am |
Sponsor Spotlight & What Do I Do? |
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10:45am-11:00am |
Break |
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11:00am-12:00pm |
How Courts and Attorneys Choose Court-Appointed Neutrals How do courts and attorneys decide which court-appointed neutrals to select, and when is appointment the right strategic choice? This session explores judicial and practitioner perspectives on the criteria, analysis, and decision-making processes behind CAN appointments, including what courts and attorneys value most when selecting a neutral. Panelists will also discuss strategic considerations around when appointing a neutral can best support effective outcomes and the administration of justice. |
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12:00pm-1:30pm |
Lunch On Your Own |
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1:30pm-2:30pm |
Practical Nuts and Bolts for Court-Appointed Neutrals This session offers a window into the day-to-day realities of serving as a court-appointed neutral. Panelists will share practical strategies, tools, and best practices for managing appointments, communicating effectively with courts and parties, and navigating common challenges. |
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2:30pm-2:45pm |
Sponsor Spotlight & What Do I Do? |
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2:45pm-3:00pm |
Break |
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3:00pm-4:00pm |
Challenges Requiring Appointment of Neutrals This session explores emerging challenges in the legal system that are driving increased use of court-appointed neutrals, with a focus on bankruptcy cases. Panelists will discuss why these matters benefit from neutral involvement and how neutrals can effectively support courts and parties in complex proceedings. |
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4:00pm-5:00pm |
Court-Appointed Neutrals in Criminal Proceedings This session explores the growing role of court-appointed neutrals in criminal cases. Panelists will discuss how neutrals can support courts, parties, and counsel in managing complex matters while ensuring fairness and efficiency. |
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6:30pm-9:00pm |
ACAN Annual Reception & Keynote Dinner The Importance of Judicial Independence – Current Challenges and the Need for Courageous Lawyering Join colleagues for an evening of networking, recognition, and inspiration at ACAN’s Annual Reception & Dinner. The program features a keynote presentation, awards ceremony, welcoming of new Fellows and members, and recognition of the 2025 Incubator Program cohort. |
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9:00pm |
After-Hours Networking Unwind and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed, casual setting at the Graduate Hotel’s lobby bar. |
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Friday, March 13 |
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7:30am-4:30pm |
Registration Open |
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8:30am-9:30am |
Challenges Requiring Appointment of Court-Appointed Neutrals This session examines emerging challenges of appointing and effectively deploying court-appointed neutrals, with a focus on wildfire-related cases. |
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9:30am-9:45am |
Sponsor Spotlight & What Do I Do? |
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9:45am-10:00am |
Break |
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10:00am-11:00am |
Challenges – Justice in Settlements: Potential Pitfalls and How Neutrals Can Help This session explores the role of court-appointed neutrals in ensuring fair and effective settlements involving minors. Panelists will discuss best practices, ethical considerations, and strategies for protecting the interests of children while supporting the court and parties. |
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11:00am-12:00pm |
Three Edgy Issues in CAN Ethics: ABA Formal Opinion 518; AI; and Promising Practices in Claims Administration (an overview) This session explores three emerging and challenging areas in court-appointed neutral ethics: the implications of ABA Formal Opinion 518, the impact of artificial intelligence on neutral practice, and promising new practices in claims administration. |
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12:15pm-1:30pm |
Keynote Luncheon
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1:30pm-2:30pm |
Conversation with Judge Robin Rosenberg |
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2:30pm-2:45pm |
Sponsor Spotlight & What Do I Do? |
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2:45pm-3:00pm |
Break |
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3:00pm-4:30pm |
Court-Appointed Neutrals in Action - Access to Justice This session highlights how court-appointed neutrals are helping expand access to justice across a variety of cases and communities. Panelists will share real-world examples of innovative approaches and strategies that improve fairness, efficiency, and outcomes. |
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4:30pm-5:00pm |
Conversation with Chief Justice Seitz |
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5:00pm-5:15pm |
ACAN Annual Business Meeting: Announcement of 2026-2027 Officers and Board of Directors |
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6:30pm |
Dine Arounds, Dutch Treat Wrap up the ACAN Annual Meeting with optional Dine-Arounds at local Berkeley restaurants. |
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Saturday, March 14 |
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9:30am-4:00pm |
Group Winery Tours - Optional Extend your ACAN Annual Meeting experience with an optional winery tour the day after the event. Enjoy round-trip transportation from The Graduate Berkeley to select wineries while networking and socializing with fellow attendees. Attendees can sign up for this outing during registration; the estimated cost is $150–$200 per person, plus individual tasting and lunch fees. |