CCND’s Annual Conference: Foundations & Innovations

Location: North Haven, CT

Speakers:

• Dr. Deborah Gilman
• Lili Vasileff, CFP®, MAFF™, CDFA™
• Woody Mosten
• David Hoffman
• Susan Guthrie

Organization: The Connecticut Council for Non-Adversarial Divorce (in conjunction with Quinnipiac University School of Law Center on Dispute Resolution)

Description:

To thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of family law and dispute resolution, we must re-visit our foundation and embrace innovation. Our Conference theme highlights both our foundation and the need to adapt, evolve, and integrate new ideas and technologies into our practices. Innovations in the field encompass advancements in online mediation, artificial intelligence in conflict resolution, and new approaches to managing emotional dynamics in divorce, all of which our speakers will address.

Non-adversarial divorce, built on the principles of cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution, has been the cornerstone of our mission. We owe much of our success to the enduring foundations of this approach. It is a foundation forged by the dedication of countless professionals in the field, and it’s a reminder that, as we move forward, we must remain rooted in the values that have brought us to where we are today.

Conference Schedule

8:30 am: Registration

9:00 am- 10:30 am: Dr. Deb Gilman: “Creating a Listening Atmosphere: Making the Intangible Tangible” In the realm of conflict resolution, one of the pivotal contributions of professionals, be it mediators or collaborative teams, is often intangible: the establishment of a conducive “listening atmosphere.” This presentation aims to delve into the role of the professionals in crafting and fostering this environment where disputants feel heard, understood, and supported. By understanding the personal characteristics and techniques that contribute to creating a robust listening atmosphere, mediators can enhance their effectiveness in facilitating resolution.

10:40 am- 11:40 am: Lili Vasileff, CFP®, MAFF™, CDFA™: “How Financial Innovation Is Impacting Divorce: For Better or Worse” This presentation explores the ever-evolving landscape of financial innovation, the creation of new products and services to improve the financial system. Innovations, including online banking, mobile payments, and digital currencies have evolved to make transactions faster and more convenient. This presentation acknowledges the dual nature of financial innovation, emphasizing its transformative successes and noteworthy failures. Lessons drawn from both sides are applied to divorce cases, examining how innovation influences risk perception, discovery processes, valuations, and analysis. Through case studies, the presentation aims to provide concise insights into the role and impact of financial innovation in the complex landscape of divorce proceedings.

11:40- 12:30 pm: Lunch

12:45 pm- 2 pm: Susan Guthrie, presenting LIVE is joined virtually by Woody Mosten & David Hoffman who will be “Zooming In” for this discussion: “Bridging Foundations with Innovation: A Dialogue with Pioneers Woody Mosten and David Hoffman” An enlightening session with esteemed pioneers Forrest “Woody” Mosten and David Hoffman, facilitated by Susan Guthrie. Woody Mosten, renowned for his foundational and innovative approaches including unbundling legal services, the client library concept, and expanding mediation strategies and collaborative law (CL) attorney roles without court appearances, joins forces with David Hoffman. David brings to the table his current focus on cutting-edge techniques for reducing bias and implementing the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, alongside their joint expertise on crafting innovative clauses in Collaborative Participation Agreements and injecting peacemaking into dispute resolution. This unique gathering, designed to inspire and educate, will navigate through over four decades of groundbreaking work while exploring the latest contributions that continue to shape the landscape of mediation and collaborative practice. This session stands as a beacon of inspiration for all dispute resolution professionals to continue to innovate and evolve in ways that support and help the families we serve, encouraging a future where the principles of understanding, collaboration, and innovation guide our path forward.

2:10- 3:25 pm: Susan Guthrie: “5 ways to Ethically and Professionally Incorporate AI into your Practice” “5 Ways to Ethically and Professionally Incorporate AI into Your Practice” is a dynamic program designed to guide dispute resolution professionals, including lawyers, mediators, financial advisors, and therapists, on how to effectively integrate generative artificial intelligence into their workspaces. This engaging session will outline five key strategies for adopting AI technologies that uphold ethical standards and enhance professional practice. Attendees will explore the multifaceted applications of AI, from improving communication and decision-making to innovating conflict resolution techniques and streamlining administrative tasks. Each point will be illustrated with practical case studies, demonstrating the tangible benefits and ethical considerations of AI implementation across different aspects of dispute resolution. The program will delve into the importance of maintaining privacy, ensuring fairness, and fostering transparency when integrating AI tools, offering insights into navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with a roadmap to responsibly harness the power of AI, ensuring their practices are not only technologically advanced but also remain committed to the highest standards of professional integrity and client care.

3:25- 4:00 pm: NETWORKING

Email: [email protected]

More information is here.