Justice Seen: Arbitrator Transparency & Disclosure Ethics (What Neutrals Need to Know About Conflicts, Obligations, and Gray Areas) (Presented by the Federal Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Section)

Hon. Suzanne H. Segal (Ret.) | Signature Resolution

Judge Suzanne H. Segal (Ret.) is a distinguished neutral with a robust arbitration and mediation practice, drawing on nearly two decades of judicial experience. She served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Central District of California from 2002 to 2020, including four years as Chief Magistrate Judge. At Signature Resolution, she handles complex commercial, insurance, employment, intellectual property, and class action disputes. A longtime leader in the Federal Bar Association, she served on the Executive Boards of both the Los Angeles Chapter and the Federal Litigation Section. Judge Segal is also a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

Mark J. Heley, Partner | Heley, Duncan & Melander, PLLP

Mark Heley is a nationally recognized arbitrator, mediator, and construction law attorney. A founding partner of his Minneapolis-based firm, he represents clients in complex contract and litigation matters and has worked on landmark projects like U.S. Bank Stadium and the Mall of America. He is a Fellow and Past President of the College of Commercial Arbitrators and a Fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers.

Tina Patterson, Principal | Jade Solutions, LLC

Tina Patterson is an accomplished arbitrator and mediator with experience in government contracting, IP, land use, and public engagement. She serves on the panels of AAA, CPR, FINRA, and the D.C. Bar Arbitration Board, and is an Associate in the College of Commercial Arbitrators. An IMI Qualified Mediator, she co-chairs the ABA Dispute Resolution Public Disputes Committee and serves on the boards of the DR Section Council and the Academy of Court Appointed Neutrals.

Moderator, Jo Colbert Stanley | Stanley Legal Services

Jo Colbert Stanley is an arbitrator, mediator, and attorney with more than 25 years of legal experience and a strong emphasis on alternative dispute resolution. As Managing Shareholder of Stanley Legal Services, she leads a dedicated ADR practice handling matters in the consumer, insurance, maritime, and commercial sectors. Jo is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, holds a Diploma in International Maritime Arbitration, and serves on the panels of AAA, FINRA, and the International Yacht Arbitration Council. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, and regularly writes and presents on arbitration ethics, disclosure obligations, and best practices. A past Chair of the FBA ADR Section, Jo continues to serve on its Board.

I. Synopsis of arbitrator ethical obligations and role of transparency in safeguarding public trust | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

II. Legal and institutional frameworks: AAA/ABA, JAMS, and IBA disclosure standards | 2:10pm – 2:25pm

III. Disclosure challenges and gray areas: Practical dilemmas, social vs. professional connections, continuing duty to disclose | 2:25pm – 2:40pm

IV. Best practices for conflict tracking, framing disclosures, and managing objections | 2:40pm – 2:55pm

V. Real-world hypotheticals and live audience Q&A | 2:55pm – 3:00pm