Maine Association of Mediators 2024 Annual Conference

Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Role of Mediators in Addressing Post-Election Polarization

Session Description: During a period of intense political polarization, it has been difficult to find the bridge builders. This session explores the role mediators and other conflict resolution professional can play in helping communities find common ground after the results of our upcoming election.

Items addressed will include:

• Data regarding the experience and impacts of political polarization;
• Local, regional, and national resources to help bridge builders address challenges and promote community;
• Highlights of what’s possible when folks speak bravely across difference; and 
• The critical role mediators can play in in helping our communities, including elected leaders, move forward after the upcoming election in a way that holds our communities together and promotes a more collaborative future.

All who want to be part of the solution are welcome and encouraged to attend as we seek an alternative path forward – whether at home, among friends, at work, or in other arenas impacted by the divisiveness of our time. 

Session Length: 90 minutes

Presenter/Facilitator: Jay Wilgus

Annual Meeting & Conference with Guest Speaker David Hoffman and afternoon panel. 

Topic: 

The Psychological Dimensions of Mediation: Managing the Negotiation Within

The Internal Family Systems (IFS”) model, used by mental health professionals and coaches, is also useful for mediators, lawyers, and others involved in conflict resolution. Developed by psychologist Richard Schwartz, the IFS model helps clients and practitioners identify our various internal “parts,” understand how they interact, and promote access to our core of “Self” energy, which operates as a source of healing and wisdom within each of our operating systems.  Mediator David Hoffman will lead an interactive workshop on how the IFS can be a powerful tool for mediators – not only to understand the psychology of the parties but also ourselves.

David A. Hoffman is the John H. Watson, Jr. Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School, where he teaches three courses: Mediation; Diversity and Dispute Resolution; and Legal Profession: Collaborative Law.  David is also an attorney, mediator, arbitrator, and founding member of Boston Law Collaborative, LLC, where he handles cases involving family, business, employment, and other disputes.  Prior to founding Boston Law Collaborative in 2003, David was a litigation partner at the Boston firm Hill & Barlow, where he practiced for 17 years.  He is past-chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution and has published three books (including “Bringing Peace into the Room,” with co-editor Daniel Bowling).  David is a graduate of Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review.  David lives in a cohousing community in Acton, Massachusetts with his wife, Leslie Warner.  They have five adult children, an adolescent cat, and a rescued golden retriever.

David A. Hoffman, Esq.

Mediator, Arbitrator, Collaborative Lawyer (he / him / his)

“Follow the Science”: Proven Strategies for Reducing Unconscious Bias

Boston Law Collaborative, LLC

Ted Talk; Watch "Lawyers as Peacemakers. Really?!? Yes, Really. | David Hoffman |