2026 Court-Appointed Neutrals Ethics Symposium
October 20, 2026
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET
Reception | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET
New York Law School
185 W Broadway
New York, NY 10013
Attend In Person or Virtually
About the Symposium
Join the nation's second annual program dedicated to expanding the thinking on court-appointed neutral ethics.
Ethics are what define a profession, and the effort to define ethics for court-appointed neutrals is a cutting-edge project that calls on our creative thinking about neutrals and the many roles they serve.
This symposium brings together judges, attorneys, court-appointed neutrals, academics, and ethics professionals for meaningful discussion around evolving standards, emerging challenges, and best practices in the field while offering 4.0 CLE Ethics Credits.
Registration
Registration is now open.
The symposium is hosted in partnership with New York Law School, which is managing registration for this event.
Attend in person or virtually for $50.
Program at a Glance
Program and speakers subject to change.
1:00pm | Welcome
1:15pm | CAN Ethics and Related Developments Since the 2025 Symposium
Bankr. R. 9031, Fed Judicial Ctr Checklist: Hon. Elizabeth Stong and Merril Hirsh
Claims Administration Issues: Ed Gentle and Roma Petkauskas
Use of CANs in Sports: Kristen Blankley
Helping People Feel Heard in Mass Torts: Simone Lelchuk
2:15pm | Where Do We Go from Here? Ethical Considerations for CANs/Other Neutrals in the Use of AI by Parties, Counsel, ADR Providers, and/or Neutrals
Jeff Zaino, Veritext
Matt Conger, AAA
Marla Greenstein, Ret., Alaska Court System
Leslie Berkoff, Moritt Hock & Hamroff, LLP
Dr. Scharn Robinson, Robinson Investigations & Conflict Resolution LLC
3:15pm | Break
3:30pm | Keynote Presentation
Hon. James Wicks, U.S. Magistrate Judge, E.D.N.Y.
4:00pm | CANs in Trial and Appellate ADR Programs in New York
Peter Phillips, New York Law School
Kathleen M. Scanlon, 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals
Glen L. Parker, New York State Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department
Lisa Courtney, NYS Office of Court Administration
Kathleen Massey, Dechert LLP
5:00pm | Reception
Missed last year's inaugural Ethics Symposium?
Last year's program brought together judges, lawyers, neutrals, and ethicists to begin examining the ethical principles governing court-appointed neutral practice.
Explore the 2025 Symposium:
Watch the 2025 Symposium | Read the NYLS Law Review Articles
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support the advancement of court-appointed neutral ethics while increasing your organization's visibility among judges, attorneys, court-appointed neutrals, academics, and ethics professionals.
Sponsorship opportunities include recognition before and during the symposium, complimentary registrations, and other benefits.
