Ongoing Seminars

AAAA Online ADR Seminar
6 Hours CLE Video Replay

Watch Until December 31st, 2025

COST: Members $175 | Non-Members $225 | Students $0

Session 1 Agenda:

Session 1: Three Doesn't Have to Be a Crowd: Techniques in Multi-Party Mediations
Charles McDaniel, BAY Mediation & Arbitration Services, LLC
Mark Brownlee, Brownlee ADR
Ana Sambold, Sambold Law & ADR Services
Moderator: Joel Greer, Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C.

Session 2: Leveraging AI in ADR: Practical Tools & Strategies for Today's Practitioner
Susan Guthrie, The Practice Accelerator

Session 3: Breaking Barriers: Inclusivity in Mediation & Arbitration
Tracey B. Frisch, AAA
John Allen, University of Iowa College of Law, Professor Emeritus
Alison Werner Smith, Hayek, Moreland & Smith, LLP
Moderator: Denise Hill, Whitfield & Eddy, P.L.C.

Session 4: Bring in the Closer: Techniques for Finalizing the Deal
Amy Van Horne, Kutak Rock LLP
Jeff Boehlert, Boehlert ADR
Paul Thune, Thune Law Firm PLC
Moderator: Joseph Moreland, Hayek Moreland & Smith, LLP

Session 5: Not What We Bargained For: Deception's Unintended Consequences (1 ETHICS)
Craig Nierman, Nierman ADR

Session 6: No Bad Vacations: Writing Awards That Don't Go South
Hon. Anuradha Vaitheswaran, Vaitheswaran ADR
Hon. Michael Streit, Sullivan & Ward P.C.
Moderator: Katherine Gloede, AAA

FACULTY

Richard Calkins (MEDIATION – CAUCUS) Dick has conducted his 40-hour mediation class over 90 times throughout the nation, training over 1400 mediators. He is the former Dean of Drake Law School and a founder of the American Mock Trial Association and the International Academy of Dispute Resolution. He is a founding member and current Board Member of the American Academy of ADR Attorneys.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dick-calkins-b16277a4

Nick Critelli (ATTORNEY ADVOCACY IN MEDIATION, NEGOTIATION) Nick is an American trial lawyer and English barrister. He is one of four practicing American lawyers who are dually qualified as barristers at the bar of England and Wales. He is also a member of the New York, Iowa, and U.S. Supreme Court bars and is qualified to practice in the European Union. Nick was a founding member of the American Academy of ADR Attorneys.
http://www.critellilawfirm.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-critelli-b25b337/

H. Case Ellis (MEDIATION – OVERVIEW & PRACTICE) Case teaches 40-hour Civil Mediation Certification and Family Mediation Courses for the Illinois State Bar Association and ADRg, one of the UK's largest ADR providers. He is a NADN mediator and arbitrator. He is a frequent lecturer and author of articles regarding ADR and juries.
https://wemediate.info/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/case-ellis-11256612/

Kathleen Ruane Leedy (MEDIATION – PSYCHOLOGY OF CONFLICT, HOT TOPICS) Kathleen is a certified and trained mediator in 8 states, international trainer, author, and international law school mediation tournament judge/coach. She is on the Advisory Board of MediateGuru and Accords International, the Regional Coordinator-Americas International Mediation Awareness Week (IMAW), and founder of Vivad Sankalp.
https://kruaneleedy.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-ruane-leedy-47b6b4a/

Zena Zumeta (MEDIATION – CONFERENCE & FAMILY) Zena is internationally known as both a mediator and trainer of mediators. She is president of the Mediation Training & Consultation Institute, Zena Zumeta Mediation Services, and The Collaborative Workplace in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She is an award-winning trainer and mediator; former president of the Academy of Family Mediators and the Michigan Council for Family & Divorce Mediation; and past Regional Vice President of the Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution.
https://www.zenazumetamediation.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/zenazumeta/

Jesse E. De Graftenreed III (CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MEDIATION) Guest speaker Jesse DeGraftenreed is a retired U.S. Army veteran who served in various leadership positions during combat and humanitarian operations worldwide. His mediation practice specializes in community, family, and workplace mediation, and he consults for various State and Federal agencies. Jesse serves as the Board Chair of the Conflict Resolution Center – St Louis and holds multiple Master's degrees in Psychology, Human Resources Management, and Legal Studies, as well as a Certificate in Conflict Resolution.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-degraftenreed-iii-mls-mol-ma-6a194b2b7/ | https://civilitymcs.com/

Denise Hill, JD, MPA (WELLNESS FOR MEDIATORS) Guest speaker Denise Hill is a prominent figure in the field of health law and ADR. She maintains a mediation and health law practice with the Whitfield & Eddy law firm in Des Moines, Iowa. Denise is currently the Chair of the Health Law Section of the Iowa Bar Association, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Vaccine Law Association, and serves on the Board of the American Academy of ADR Attorneys. With extensive experience in legal practice and academia, Denise has taught ADR and healthcare courses at prominent institutions. Her innovative approach to conflict resolution is informed by decades of experience and a commitment to cultural capability and wellness in negotiations.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-hill-80321411/
https://www.whitfieldlaw.com/attorneys-denise-m-hill

CLE*: Those completing the 40-hour course will receive a certificate of completion from the American Academy of Dispute Resolution for 40 hours CLE including 2 hours ethics, 1 hour wellness, 1 hour diversity. Students participate live, on camera. Recordings available for the occasional absence. Live makeups available for states which require it.
*CLE credit subject to state approval

COMMENTS FROM PAST PARTICIPANTS:

"If you are concerned about our complicated justice system and you want to help others avoid the cost, stress and burdens of litigation, this course is for you! Be prepared to open your mind to a different system of dispute resolution. As you learn about the psychology and emotional cost of ongoing conflict, you will be motivated and well prepared to mediate a variety of issues. The course instructors will guide and encourage you every step of the way!"

"This is a great course, well worth the cost and time involved."

"Even if launching a mediator practice isn't at all on your radar screen, the class is an excellent primer on the law and general practice of ADR in general, and cannot help but improve you in your role as an advocate at your next mediation."

"I learned so many new skills and strategies for my mediation practice. The various perspectives and dialogue from the instructors was invaluable."

"This is some of the best training that you can have. The instructors have had thousands of mediations between them, and they are the experts!"

ALTERNATE PAYMENT METHOD:

Make check payable to Richard M. Calkins

Mail to:
Richard M. Calkins
Calkins Academy of Dispute Resolution
13002 Oak Brook Drive
Urbandale, IA 50323 USA

CONTACT:
Dick Calkins at 515-283-0331, Kathie Calkins Keyes at kcalkinskeyes@gmail.com

Fall 2025 40-Hour CLE Mediation Masterclass

Jumpstart your practice as Mediator. Become a better advocate in mediation. Build stronger communities as a peacemaker.

LIVE Online September 30 - December 2, 2025

Tuesdays 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Central US & Canada

40-hours CLE 2 Ethics 1 Wellness 1 Diversity pending individual state approval

COST: $1375

Elevate your mediation practice with insights from the American Academy of ADR Attorneys and Dick Calkins of the Calkins Academy of Dispute Resolution. Collaborating with six leading experts in Mediation and Mediator Advocacy, this masterclass empowers you to swiftly establish your mediation practice and enhance your skills in ADR advocacy. Become a catalyst for peace and contribute positively to your community as a skilled peacemaker.

Upon completion of this course, participants may conduct pro bono mediations through the Iowa Civil Rights Commission or the Conflict Resolution Center of Saint Louis to build their mediation resume.

CURRICULUM

• Mediator training
• Attorney advocacy in mediation
• Psychology of conflict
• Marketing your mediation practice
• Peacemaker techniques
• Conference & family mediation
• Caucus mediation
• Conciliation
• AI, ODR and cybersecurity

BONUSES:

1. One year membership in the American Academy of ADR Attorneys ($250 value) (attorneys only)

2. Admission to AAAA All-day Annual CLE Seminar ($225 value)

3. Mediation Consult Call With Dick Calkins ($200 value)

4. AAAA Mediation Marketing Consult Call ($75 value)

5. COURSE MATERIALS ($220 value)

Students will be mailed a copy of the following textbooks by Richard M. Calkins (electronic copies if outside the U.S.):

Lane & Calkins – Mediation Practice Guide, 5th Edition, ISBA 2022 ($120 value)

Advanced Settlement Techniques, ISBA 2023 ($50 value)

Practical Psychology of Mediation, ISBA 2022 ($50 value)

FACULTY

Richard Calkins (MEDIATION – CAUCUS) Dick has conducted his 40-hour mediation class over 90 times throughout the nation, training over 1400 mediators. He is the former Dean of Drake Law School and a founder of the American Mock Trial Association and the International Academy of Dispute Resolution. He is a founding member and current Board Member of the American Academy of ADR Attorneys.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dick-calkins-b16277a4

Nick Critelli (ATTORNEY ADVOCACY IN MEDIATION, NEGOTIATION) Nick is an American trial lawyer and English barrister. He is one of four practicing American lawyers who are dually qualified as barristers at the bar of England and Wales. He is also a member of the New York, Iowa, and U.S. Supreme Court bars and is qualified to practice in the European Union. Nick was a founding member of the American Academy of ADR Attorneys.
http://www.critellilawfirm.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-critelli-b25b337/

H. Case Ellis (MEDIATION – OVERVIEW & PRACTICE) Case teaches 40-hour Civil Mediation Certification and Family Mediation Courses for the Illinois State Bar Association and ADRg, one of the UK's largest ADR providers. He is a NADN mediator and arbitrator. He is a frequent lecturer and author of articles regarding ADR and juries.
https://wemediate.info/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/case-ellis-11256612/

Kathleen Ruane Leedy (MEDIATION – PSYCHOLOGY OF CONFLICT, HOT TOPICS) Kathleen is a certified and trained mediator in 8 states, international trainer, author, and international law school mediation tournament judge/coach. She is on the Advisory Board of MediateGuru and Accords International, the Regional Coordinator-Americas International Mediation Awareness Week (IMAW), and founder of Vivad Sankalp.
https://kruaneleedy.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-ruane-leedy-47b6b4a/

Zena Zumeta (MEDIATION – CONFERENCE & FAMILY) Zena is internationally known as both a mediator and trainer of mediators. She is president of the Mediation Training & Consultation Institute, Zena Zumeta Mediation Services, and The Collaborative Workplace in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She is an award-winning trainer and mediator; former president of the Academy of Family Mediators and the Michigan Council for Family & Divorce Mediation; and past Regional Vice President of the Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution.
https://www.zenazumetamediation.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/zenazumeta/

Jesse E. De Graftenreed III (CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MEDIATION) Guest speaker Jesse DeGraftenreed is a retired U.S. Army veteran who served in various leadership positions during combat and humanitarian operations worldwide. His mediation practice specializes in community, family, and workplace mediation, and he consults for various State and Federal agencies. Jesse serves as the Board Chair of the Conflict Resolution Center – St Louis and holds multiple Master's degrees in Psychology, Human Resources Management, and Legal Studies, as well as a Certificate in Conflict Resolution.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-degraftenreed-iii-mls-mol-ma-6a194b2b7/ | https://civilitymcs.com/

Denise Hill, JD, MPA (WELLNESS FOR MEDIATORS) Guest speaker Denise Hill is a prominent figure in the field of health law and ADR. She maintains a mediation and health law practice with the Whitfield & Eddy law firm in Des Moines, Iowa. Denise is currently the Chair of the Health Law Section of the Iowa Bar Association, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Vaccine Law Association, and serves on the Board of the American Academy of ADR Attorneys. With extensive experience in legal practice and academia, Denise has taught ADR and healthcare courses at prominent institutions. Her innovative approach to conflict resolution is informed by decades of experience and a commitment to cultural capability and wellness in negotiations.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-hill-80321411/
https://www.whitfieldlaw.com/attorneys-denise-m-hill

CLE*: Those completing the 40-hour course will receive a certificate of completion from the American Academy of Dispute Resolution for 40 hours CLE including 2 hours ethics, 1 hour wellness, 1 hour diversity. Students participate live, on camera. Recordings available for the occasional absence. Live makeups available for states which require it.
*CLE credit subject to state approval

COMMENTS FROM PAST PARTICIPANTS:

"If you are concerned about our complicated justice system and you want to help others avoid the cost, stress and burdens of litigation, this course is for you! Be prepared to open your mind to a different system of dispute resolution. As you learn about the psychology and emotional cost of ongoing conflict, you will be motivated and well prepared to mediate a variety of issues. The course instructors will guide and encourage you every step of the way!"

"This is a great course, well worth the cost and time involved."

"Even if launching a mediator practice isn't at all on your radar screen, the class is an excellent primer on the law and general practice of ADR in general, and cannot help but improve you in your role as an advocate at your next mediation."

"I learned so many new skills and strategies for my mediation practice. The various perspectives and dialogue from the instructors was invaluable."

"This is some of the best training that you can have. The instructors have had thousands of mediations between them, and they are the experts!"

ALTERNATE PAYMENT METHOD:

Make check payable to Richard M. Calkins

Mail to:
Richard M. Calkins
Calkins Academy of Dispute Resolution
13002 Oak Brook Drive
Urbandale, IA 50323 USA

CONTACT:
Dick Calkins at 515-283-0331, Kathie Calkins Keyes at kcalkinskeyes@gmail.com

40-Hour Mediation Masterclass Spring 2025

Jumpstart your practice as Mediator. Become a better advocate in mediation. Build stronger communities as a peacemaker.

LIVE Online April 7 - June 16, 2025

Mondays 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Central US & Canada

40-hours CLE 2 Ethics 1 Wellness 1 Diversity pending individual state approval

COST: $1375

The American Academy of ADR Attorneys and Calkins Academy of Dispute Resolution have teamed with 6 experts in Mediation and Mediator Advocacy so you can immediately launch your mediation and arbitration practice while improving your ADR advocacy. Contribute to your community as a peacemaker.

Upon completion of this course, participants may conduct pro bono mediations through the Iowa Civil Rights Commission or the Conflict Resolution Center of Saint Louis to build their mediation resume.

CURRICULUM

• Mediator training
• Attorney advocacy in mediation
• Psychology of conflict
• Marketing your mediation practice
• ADR assessor
• Peacemaker techniques
• Conference & family mediation
• Caucus mediation
• Conciliation
• AI, ODR and cybersecurity

BONUSES:

1. One year membership in the American Academy of ADR Attorneys ($200 value) (attorneys only)

2. Admission to AAAA/ISBA All-day Annual CLE Seminar ($225 value)

3. Mediation Consult Call With Dick Calkins ($200 value)

4. AAAA Mediation Marketing Consult Call ($75 value)

5. COURSE MATERIALS ($220 value)

Students will be mailed a copy of the following textbooks by Richard M. Calkins:

Lane & Calkins – Mediation Practice Guide, 5th Edition, ISBA 2022 ($120 value)

Advanced Settlement Techniques, ISBA 2023 ($50 value)

Practical Psychology of Mediation, ISBA 2022 ($50 value)

FACULTY

Richard Calkins (MEDIATION - CAUCUS) Dick has conducted his 40-hour mediation class over 90 times throughout the nation, training over 1400 mediators. He is the former Dean of Drake Law School and a founder of the American Mock Trial Association and the International Academy of Dispute Resolution. He is a founding member and current Board Member of the American Academy of ADR Attorneys.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dick-calkins-b16277a4

Nick Critelli (ATTORNEY ADVOCACY IN MEDIATION, NEGOTIATION) Nick is an American trial lawyer and English barrister. He is one of four practicing American lawyers who are dually qualified as barristers at the bar of England and Wales. He is also a member of the New York, Iowa, and U.S. Supreme Court bars and is qualified to practice in the European Union. Nick was a founding member of the American Academy of ADR Attorneys.
http://www.critellilawfirm.com/  |  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-critelli-b25b337/

H. Case Ellis (MEDIATION - OVERVIEW & PRACTICE) Case teaches 40-hour Civil Mediation Certification and Family Mediation Courses for the Illinois State Bar Association and ADRg, one of the UK's largest ADR providers. He is a NADN mediator and arbitrator. He is a frequent lecturer and author of articles regarding ADR and juries.
https://wemediate.info/  |  https://www.linkedin.com/in/case-ellis-11256612/

Kathleen Ruane Leedy (MEDIATION - PSYCHOLOGY OF CONFLICT, HOT TOPICS) Kathleen is a certified and trained mediator in 8 states, international trainer, author, and international law school mediation tournament judge/coach. She is on the Advisory Board of MediateGuru and Accords International, the Regional Coordinator-Americas International Mediation Awareness Week (IMAW), and founder of Vivad Sankalp.
https://kruaneleedy.com/  |  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-ruane-leedy-47b6b4a/

Zena Zumeta (MEDIATION - CONFERENCE & FAMILY) Zena is internationally known as both a mediator and trainer of mediators. She is president of the Mediation Training & Consultation Institute, Zena Zumeta Mediation Services, and The Collaborative Workplace in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She is an award-winning trainer and mediator; former president of the Academy of Family Mediators and the Michigan Council for Family & Divorce Mediation; and past Regional Vice President of the Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution.
https://www.zenazumetamediation.com/  |  https://www.linkedin.com/in/zenazumeta/

Jesse E. De Graftenreed III (CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MEDIATION) Guest speaker Jesse DeGraftenreed is a retired U.S. Army veteran who served in various leadership positions during combat and humanitarian operations worldwide. His mediation practice specializes in community, family, and workplace mediation, and he consults for various State and Federal agencies. Jesse serves as the Board Chair of the Conflict Resolution Center - St Louis and holds multiple Master's degrees in Psychology, Human Resources Management, and Legal Studies, as well as a Certificate in Conflict Resolution.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-degraftenreed-iii-mls-mol-ma-6a194b2b7/  |  https://civilitymcs.com/

CLE*: Those completing the 40-hour course will receive a certificate of completion from the American Academy of Dispute Resolution for 40 hours CLE including 2 hours ethics, 1 hour wellness, 1 hour diversity. Students participate live, on camera. Recordings available for the occasional absence. Live makeups available for states which require it.
*CLE credit subject to state approval

COMMENTS FROM PAST PARTICIPANTS:

"If you are concerned about our complicated justice system and you want to help others avoid the cost, stress and burdens of litigation, this course is for you! Be prepared to open your mind to a different system of dispute resolution. As you learn about the psychology and emotional cost of ongoing conflict, you will be motivated and well prepared to mediate a variety of issues. The course instructors will guide and encourage you every step of the way!"

"This is a great course, well worth the cost and time involved."

"Even if launching a mediator practice isn't at all on your radar screen, the class is an excellent primer on the law and general practice of ADR in general, and cannot help but improve you in your role as an advocate at your next mediation."

"I learned so many new skills and strategies for my mediation practice. The various perspectives and dialogue from the instructors was invaluable."

"This is some of the best training that you can have. The instructors have had thousands of mediations between them, and they are the experts!"

ALTERNATE PAYMENT METHOD:

Make check payable to Richard M. Calkins

Mail to:
Richard M. Calkins
Calkins Academy of Dispute Resolution
13002 Oak Brook Drive
Urbandale, IA 50323 USA

CONTACT:
Dick Calkins at 515-283-0331, Kathie Calkins Keyes at kcalkinskeyes@gmail.com

Putting Together the Pieces of Peace: Wellness & Preparation for Resolvers

with Professor Denise Hill, JD, MPA

Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 1:30-4:30 PM
Creighton Law School, Omaha, Nebraska
$49.00*

*free for members of the American Academy of ADR Attorneys and Nebraska Mediation Association and students of The Werner Institute

SESSION I (1:30-3:00 PM Central US)

"First, Know [and take care of] Thyself: Wellness for the Resolver"

Wellness CLE Credit

Description: As neutrals involved in ADR, we often do not spend time reflecting on our own relationship with conflict and personal wellbeing. Afterall, ADR is about the parties and not us. Yet, focusing primarily on other people's needs and problems can take a significant personal and professional toll on us. Even when well-intended, neglecting ourselves can have a negative impact on our effectiveness as resolvers. This session is designed to help resolvers better understand themselves and others, discover their personal conflict styles, and arm them with tools/resources to sustain wellness. Developing this knowledge and skillset will simultaneously enhance resolvers' ability to help parties come to meaningful resolution.

SESSION II (3:00-4:30 PM Central US)

"Preparation is the Path to Wise Agreements"

Standard CLE Credit

Description: A primary objective of ADR is not just having agreement but arriving at a "wise agreement"--one that meets the needs of the parties and promotes peace. Resolvers who utilize the fundamentals of conflict resolution in tandem with in-depth preparation establish optimal environments for wise agreements. In this dynamic session, participants explore preparation strategies designed to: build trust and gain buy-in from the parties; define issue(s) to keep sessions on track; analyze legal concerns; diagnose underlying sources of conflict(s); aid parties' in revealing their needs; identify parties' BATNAs and the Zone of Settlement; develop a targeted communication strategy that interrupts bias; recognize and address points of resistance; and memorialize agreements designed to ensure follow through.