Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Commons^™

Oh, Won't You Stay With Me?: Determining Whether § 3 Of The Faa Requires A Stay In Light Of Katz V. Cellco Partnership, Alessandra Rose Johnson

Fordham Law Review

The Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) provides the legal framework to render international and interstate arbitration agreements judicially enforceable in the United States. In furtherance of that goal, it provides that, if a party initiates litigation rather than arbitration of an arbitrable dispute, either party may request that the court stay the litigation pending resolution in an arbitration proceeding. The U.S. courts of appeals are currently split as to whether § 3 of the FAA requires a court under these circumstances to stay the action or whether the court has the discretion to dismiss the action altogether. In Katz v. Cellco …

Mediation: The Best And Worst Of Times, Jacqueline Nolan-Haley

Faculty Scholarship

At this period in the evolution of dispute resolution, mediation is in a unique time zone, similar to what Dickens described in a Tale of Two Cities, as the best and worst of times, the seasons of Light and Darkness. It is the best of times, the season of Light and a time of joy in honoring human connections, as mediation is widely embraced in the public and private sectors. From government agencies and courts to corporations and United Nations peacemaking units, mediation offers a vision of hope in the midst of drowning bureaucracies, clogged dockets, corporate scandals and ethnic …

Procedural Justice Beyond Borders: Mediation In Ghana, Jacqueline Nolan-Haley, James Kwasi Annor-Ohene

Faculty Scholarship

Ghana enacted comprehensive alternative dispute resolution legislation in 2010 with the specific goals of providing access to justice and promoting domestic and foreign direct investment (The Act). A significant aspect of the Act was the inclusion of customary arbitration and mediation. The focus of this Article is on mediation as this is the first time that mediation has been included in a statute in Ghana. The Act’s definition of mediation reflects an understanding of the mediation process based upon the western values of individual autonomy and party self-determination. These principles represent a significant departure from the more communal values of …

China's Turn Against Law, Carl F. Minzner

Faculty Scholarship

Chinese authorities are reconsidering legal reforms they enacted in the 1980s and 1990s. These reforms had emphasized law, litigation, and courts as institutions for resolving civil grievances between citizens and administrative grievances against the state. But social stability concerns have led top leaders to question these earlier reforms. Central Party leaders now fault legal reforms for insufficiently responding to (or even generating) surging numbers of petitions and protests.

Chinese authorities have now drastically altered course. Substantively, they are de-emphasizing the role of formal law and court adjudication. They are attempting to revive pre-1978 Maoist-style court mediation practices. Procedurally, Chinese authorities …

Thinking About Fairness & Achieving Balance In Mediation, Sarah E. Burns

Fordham Urban Law Journal

This Article identifies five sources of bias present in mediation practice: (1) categorization, (2) attribution, (3) metaphorical expression, (4) norming, and (5) framing. For each of these "cognitive efficiencies," which contribute to bias in mediation, the author provides practice recommendations. Finally, the author suggests that the Article be read as a proposal for further thought and inquiry to improve the fairness of mediators.

Minorities, Mediation, And Method: The View From One Court-Connected Mediation Program, Phyllis E. Bernard

Fordham Urban Law Journal

This Article addresses cross-cultural dynamics in small claims court mediations in Oklahoma City (1 million population). Through the study of about 300 cases, the author concludes that (1) minority status may not matter as much as gender, (2) neither gender nor minority status may matter as much as socio-economic class, and (3) well-constructed and constantly monitored mediator training and supervision may make for fairer small claims cases where mediation is seen as adjunct to judge's role. The author urges reconsideration of critical race theory critiques of mediation and ultimately concludes that just mediation proceedings require addressing individuals' lack of knowledge.

Evolving Issues In Reinsurance Disputes: The Power Of Arbitrators, Robert W. Diubaldo

Fordham Urban Law Journal

This Article examines emerging areas of the law governing the following procedural powers of arbitrators that impact reinsurance arbitrations, as well as other commercial disputes: (i) consolidation; (ii) non-party discovery; (iii) confidentiality; (iv) summary adjudication; and (v) the enforceability of a hold harmless agreement. Inconsistency in judicial interpretation of arbitral powers significantly impacts the cost-effectiveness and overall efficiency of arbitration -- reasons the parties seek to arbitrate their commercial disputes in the first place.

Adr And Litigation Involving Social Problems, Steven Banks

Fordham Urban Law Journal

This Article addresses remarks of the Corporation Counsel of the City of New York, Michael Cardozo, regarding the use of ADR in legal disputes involving municipal government. It also highlights the special responsibilities of class counsel in the ADR context in class action litigation on behalf of vulnerable families and individuals. Specifically, the Article addresses ADR resolutions in Sheppard v. Phoenix, No. 91 Civ. 4148(RPP), 1998 WL 397846 (S.D.N.Y. July 16, 1998), Marisol v. Giuliani, 185 F.R.D. 152 (S.D.N.Y. 1992), and McCain v. Dinkins, 84 N.Y.2d 216 (1994). The Article concludes with a discussion of ADR in the context of …

Barriers To Participation: Challenges Faced By Members Of Underrepresented Racial And Ethnic Groups In Entering, Remaining, And Advancing In The Adr Field, Maria R. Volpe, Robert A. Baruch Bush, Gene A. Johnson, Jr., Christopher M. Kwok

Fordham Urban Law Journal

This Article discusses research aimed to understand barriers to participation of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in ADR practices. The research includes ADR in and around New York City. The article discusses methodology, challenges of the research, preliminary findings, remedies, future research, and the significance of the findings. Universal and specific barriers include: (i) informational and professional; (ii) social, institutional, and cultural; and (iii) economic. The authors encourages future research of barriers affecting underrepresented groups and emphasizes the need to reduce these barriers.

Securing Online Transactions: Crime Prevention Is The Key, Michael Ena

Fordham Urban Law Journal

This Comment illustrates how government regulation, criminal justice, private legal actions, and market forces contribute to the security of online transactions. Further, it argues that government regulation aimed at the prevention of cybercrime should be the primary focus of the efforts to improve online security. Ultimately, the Comment argues that as more businesses more online, securing online transactions becomes more critical to protect against fraud, to cut off source of illegal income for organized crime and terrorists, and to ensure the future growth of the national economy.

Panel Discussion: Problem-Solving Mechanisms To Achieve Consensus: How Do We Ensure Successful Resolution?, Jacqueline Nolan-Haley, Cathy A. Costantino, Sean F. Nolon, Joseph A. Siegel

Fordham Urban Law Journal

The focus of the panel discussion is problem-solving mechanisms in the public arena to ensure and achieve consensus via the question, "How do we ensure successful resolution?" Each speaker gives a 20-minute speech followed by questions from attendees. After all three speakers conclude their remarks, Professor Nolan-Haley opens the floor to general questions. Speakers include: 1. Cathy A. Constantino, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Georgetown Law School, George Washington Law School 2. Sean F. Nolon, Pace University School of Law 3. Joseph A. Siegel, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The Use Of Adr Involving Local Governments: The Perspective Of The New York City Corporation Counsel, Michael A. Cardozo

Fordham Urban Law Journal

Alternative dispute resolution can sometimes be a very useful and powerful tool in resolving social problems in which local governments find themselves. But ADR is not the answer to resolving much of the litigation involving disputes over governmental policy. Generally, there are three different types of governmental disputes potentially susceptible to ADR treatment: Money disputes, land use and enironmental controversities, and claims by a particular group of people that a specific social policy being pursued or not pursued by the government is somehow illegal.

The Secret To Success: An Examination Of New York State Mediation Related Litigation, Andrew N. Weisberg

Fordham Urban Law Journal

This Comment examines the difficulties in using alternative dispute resolution, specifically mediation, to settle disputes between parties. While mediation is meant to lighten the courts' caseload, it occasionally results in post-settlement issues concerning the mediated agreement, leaving the court to determine whether the agreement should be enforced. This Comment examines such enforcement issues, specifically how often enforcement issues arise and the typical grounds on which parties rely to vacate or modify mediated agreements. It discusses the research conducted on New York State cases decided between 1/1/2004 and 10/31/2006 and describes research conducted by Hamline University School of Law Professors James …

How Can Adr Alleviate Long-Standing Social Problems?, Kenneth R. Feinberg

Fordham Urban Law Journal

Keynote Address at Inaugual Fordham Dispute Resolution Society Symposium: "ADR as a Tool for Achieving Social Justice."

Achieving Better Outcomes For Litigants In The New York State Courts, Chief Administative Judge Jonathan Lippman

Fordham Urban Law Journal

Remarks at the Inaguargal Fordham Dispute Reolution Society Symposium "ADR as a Tool for Achieving Social Justice."

Teaching Comparative Perspectives In Mediation: Some Preliminary Reflections Symposium: Transatlantic Perspectives On Alternative Dispute Resolution, Jacqueline Nolan-Haley

Faculty Scholarship

The study of comparative law and legal process in any subject area offers the usual advantages of learning about other countries' legal cultures and developing a deeper understanding of one's own legal tradition. In the case of mediation, it is important to evaluate critically what is learned through comparative analysis. Mediation is still developing as a profession; it is newly institutionalized in legal cultures; and, it is relatively new to the canon of legal education. National legal traditions have responded differently to the implementation of mediation. Thus, lawyers must have an understanding of the differences and nuances in mediation law …

Consent In Mediation , Jacqueline Nolan-Haley

Faculty Scholarship

This brief comparative analysis of the United States and English approaches to mediation consent raises policy questions about the merits of mandatory mediation. Is England on a better course by requiring consent at the front end of mediation? Will mediation be stronger in the long run when it has a consensual foundation? Arguably, the use of cost sanctions in England's mediation regime makes it close to a mandatory mediation system. For some litigants, participating in mediation will be potentially less costly than arguing that it was not unreasonable to refuse mediation. But despite the mandatory gloss, mediation is still a …

Self-Determination In International Mediation: Some Preliminary Reflections , Jacqueline Nolan-Haley

Faculty Scholarship

Few concepts have generated as much discussion in the post-war international legal system as that of “self-determination.” Scholars debate the proper identity of the "selves" endowed with this right, its boundaries, and its normative relevance. When the focus turns to mediation, the discussion becomes murky because the concept of self-determination has both procedural and substantive components, and is noticeably different in the private and public sectors. The generic concept of self-determination relates to ideas of democratic governance and the Enlightenment belief that legitimate government depends upon the consent of the governed. As adapted to private mediation theory, the right of …

Merger Of Law And Mediation: Lessons From Equity Jurisprudence And Roscoe Pound, The , Jacqueline Nolan-Haley

Faculty Scholarship

This article examines Roscoe Pound's concerns with the decline of equity jurisprudence in the American legal system, suggesting that they resonate with those of modern ADR scholars who worry about the effects of blending settlement with adjudication and mediation with the law. It examines court-connected mediation with particular emphasis on the historic parallels between equity and mediation. Both equity and mediation offer a form of "individualized justice" unavailable in the official legal system, and each allow room for mercy in an otherwise rigid, rule-bound justice system. Yet, scholars question whether equity today is still equitable and whether institutionalized mediation offers …

Problem-Solving Negotiation: Northern Ireland's Experience With The Women's Coalition Symposium, Jacqueline Nolan-Haley, Bronagh Hinds

Faculty Scholarship

This paper is part of a Symposium that considered the relevance of domestic conflict resolution theories in broader cultural contexts. The Northern Ireland Women's Coalition (Women's Coalition) participated in the negotiations leading up to the 1998 Good Friday/Belfast Agreement. Members of the Woman's Coalition responded to thirty years of sectarian violence with a negotiation process based on accommodation, inclusion, and relationship building, concepts that resonate with American-style problem-solving negotiation. Using the Women's Coalition as a case study, this Article suggests that there are procedural aspects of problem-solving negotiation theory that may work across domains, specifically in multi-party, intractable conflict situations, …

A New Code Of Ethics For Commercial Arbitrators: The Neutrality Of Party-Appointed Arbitrators On A Tripartite Panel, Olga K. Byrne

Fordham Urban Law Journal

This article discusses ABA and AAA revisions to the ethics code for commercial arbitrators with respect to the neutrality of arbitrators. This Note describes the importance of the tripartite panel and the new standards in the revised code of ethics. It further examines the opposing arguments concerning the role of party-appointed arbitrators with respect to neutrality. Finally, the Note proposes that the revisers educate participants in the arbitral process of the new standard demanded of all arbitrators, so as to maintain confidence and stability in arbitration.

Peace-Making Role Of A Mediator, The The Americanization Of International Dispute Resolution, John D. Feerick

Faculty Scholarship

Mediation, or the intervention of third parties, has been a tested and tried means of dispute resolution since the earliest history of the world. The theme for this program, the Americanization of International Dispute Resolution, asks whether there is an American style of dispute resolution and, if there is, whether it is positive or negative for the peaceful settlement of international disputes. In approaching my assignment of Mediation in Armed Conflict, I have focused my attention on Northern Ireland, a society that has experienced a violent conflict for the past thirty years, in which many efforts at mediation have taken …

Lawyers, Non-Lawyers And Mediation: Rethinking The Professional Monopoly From A Problem-Solving Perspective , Jacqueline Nolan-Haley

Faculty Scholarship

Mediation is a big business today that is practiced by lawyers and non-lawyers, and is closely related to the business of law. Lawyers have a long-standing monopoly on the law business and do not look favorably on sharing their power with nonlawyers. This phenomenon is odd because it occurs at the same time that the legal profession is beginning to embrace a new ethic of problem-solving that honors the values of collaboration and power-sharing among professionals in multiple disciplines. Lawyers protect their professional monopoly through the unauthorized practice of law ("UPL") doctrine that limits the practice of law to licensed …

Adr And The Professional Responsibility Of Lawyers, Jacqueline M. Nolan-Haley, Robert F. Cochran Jr., Stephen K. Huber, Kimberlee K. Kovach

Fordham Urban Law Journal

Should the meaning of "ethical" lawyering change in the ADR context? This article contains several essays arguing that change is needed, that current ethics rules and codes must be adjusted, and new rules must be drafted that respond to the subtleties and complexities of the issues raised in ADR legal practice. Professor Carrie Menkel-Meadow provides an overview of the major ethical issues facing lawyers in ADR practice and reviews the current ethics rules landscape in ADR. Professor Robert Cochran offers a proposal to amend the current professional responsibility rules to include a mandate for advising clients of ADR options. Professor …

1977 Code Of Ethics For Arbitrators: An Outside Perspective, The Symposium: Ethics In A World Of Mandatory Arbitration, John D. Feerick

Faculty Scholarship

If ADR is to remain a vibrant part of the judicial landscape, it is essential that efforts further shape ethical standards and guidelines, as well as their practical connotations. The framers of the United States Constitution were very careful to establish a public justice system comprised of judges and juries operating within a framework of standards and protections designed to assure justice and fairness while simultaneously promoting public confidence. We should give similar care to developing processes through which we purportedly intend to accomplish similar objectives in resolving disputes and controversies. At the very least, the private nature of these …

Religious Dimensions Of Mediation, F. Matthews-Giba

Fordham Urban Law Journal

This article takes an in-depth look at the religious roots of mediation, particularly emphasizing the influence of the Franciscan movement. It also discusses the religious roots of mediation in the United States, various strategies and styles of mediation, the religious motivation for settlement agreements, and multi-cultured mediation.

Religious Dimensions Of Mediation, F. Matthews-Giba

Fordham Urban Law Journal

This article takes an in-depth look at the religious roots of mediation, particularly emphasizing the influence of the Franciscan movement. It also discusses the religious roots of mediation in the United States, various strategies and styles of mediation, the religious motivation for settlement agreements, and multi-cultured mediation.

A Model For Arbitration: Autonomy, Cooperation And Curtailment Of State Power, Kenneth

Fordham Urban Law Journal

As compared with the formal pleadings, massive discovery, aggressive motion practice, and endless appeals of litigation, arbitration is undoubtedly more efficient as a dispute resolution mechanism. However, efficiency is only one of many advantages of arbitration. Arbitration empowers disputing parties, promotes individual autonomy and cooperation, and curtails the power of government in the process. Still, the state should not wholly limit its involvement in arbitral processes; the courts do and should have a substantial role in determining the enforceability of arbitration agreements and awards in a few select contexts. Overall, courts should enforce arbitration agreements and only limit enforceability that …

The High Cost Of Efficiency: Mandatory Arbitration In The Securities Industry, Beth E. Sullivan

Fordham Urban Law Journal

Mandatory arbitration agreements have become standard in the securities industry via the required Form U-4 for anyone seeking a license to buy or sell a security. However, the arbitration agreements generally submits a claimant to a panel of "white males in their sixties," and often claimants do not fare well before such panels. The article explores the claims of proponents of such agreements, such as the efficiency of resolving the dispute, which allegedly benefits both employers and employees, notions of freedom of contract, and ability to foster employment relationships which otherwise would be difficult to enact. However, the article examines …

Informed Consent In Mediation: A Guiding Principle For Truly Educated Decisionmaking , Jacqueline Nolan-Haley

Faculty Scholarship

Informed consent has a central role to play in mediation. Without it, mediation's promises of autonomy and self-determination are empty. This Article has given the theoretical and policy justifications for a reform of mediation practice that honors the principle of informed consent. I have argued for a contextualized approach that takes into account mediation's location, the voluntariness of the parties' consent, and their representational status. This kind of analysis will lead to a more informed practice of mediation decisionmaking than exists currently and provide a perspective that can more prudently guide a mediator's conduct. The proposed approach promotes greater fairness …