On behalf of my fellow Officers and Board Members, I am honored and pleased to welcome all of you to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) Section of the Federal Bar Association (“FBA”), and to re-introduce myself as Section Chair for the new term that will end on September 30, 2026. As we begin this new FBA year, I would like to extend a genuine welcome to all our professional and student members — both new and returning — to the ADR.
I look forward to collaborating with you as we continue to grow, learn, and advance our shared mission. Thanks largely to the great leadership we have had over the last few years (namely, of Amy Boyle, Esq., Immediate Past Chair and her predecessor, Jo Stanley, Esq.), we are in the midst of the ADR Section’s renaissance and what an exciting time it is! This year, I am pleased to announce that I am most excellently assisted by Lori Adelson, Esq. and Laurel Stevenson, Esq. (who also wears the hat of Editor for the ADR Section’s Newsletter, The Resolver®) round out the Board at this time.
The new FBA year brings fresh opportunities to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the legal profession in meaningful ways. Whether through continuing legal education programs, advocacy initiatives, networking events, or community outreach, our ADR Section remains committed to supporting your professional development. Together we are committed to ensuring the vitality of the ADR and to bring value to your membership in the ADR Section. By building on the solid foundation laid down by our past officers, and adding our own skill sets and energies, we will deliver an enhanced experience this year and for years to come.
With the invaluable aid and assistance of Mike McCarthy and other amazing FBA national staff personnel, we will strive to create programs and publications to guide you, to teach you, and to facilitate collegiality with fellow ADR practitioners. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing our calendar of events, initiatives, and opportunities for involvement. We encourage you to actively participate — whether by attending events, volunteering for a committee, reading the newsletter, or simply connecting with fellow members. Your engagement makes our section stronger.
We are certain that many of you will benefit from what the ADR Section has to offer. And, for those of you who desire to get more personally involved, we seek and solicit your help and active participation. We still have one officer slot, and some open committee appointments to fill at this time. Read The Resolver.® Come to our events. With your help, we can grow the ADR not just in size, but in FBA stature and reputation. And remember: “An ounce of mediation is worth a pound of arbitration and a ton of litigation!” — Joseph Grynbaum
Respectfully,
Ira Cohen, Esq., Chair, ADR Section of the FBA
icohen@ictrademarksandcopyrights.com