ADR Systems is proud to announce that three of our neutrals — Hon. Margaret A. Brennan, (Ret.), Hon. William J. Haddad, (Ret.) and Hon. Kay M. Hanlon, (Ret.) — will be featured panel speakers at the Advanced Workshop for Improved Negotiation and Mediation Skills hosted by the Chicago Bar Association on May 29–30, 2025.

This two-day, in-person seminar will deliver advanced mediation skills for effective negotiation and dispute resolution, offering attendees up to 11 hours of IL MCLE credit. Designed for attorneys and mediators, the workshop will cover topics like client preparation, eleventh-hour negotiation and overcoming impasse.

“This is a comprehensive mediation seminar which I am sure will enlighten participants on the most effective ways to prepare for and manage all the moving parts of a mediation,” said Judge Haddad. “As a senior mediator with ADR Systems, I look forward to discussing some of the methods that keep parties negotiating to bring forth a settlement.”

ADR Systems Presenters

• Judge Hanlon (May 29, 1:15–2:00pm) will explore “Client Issues in Mediation: Preparation and Control,” focusing on proven, practical techniques — developed over years of mediation experience — that bring parties together through intentional and individualized approaches.
• Judge Haddad (May 29, 2:45–3:30pm) will discuss “How to Keep the Parties at the Table,” offering strategies for navigating eleventh-hour negotiations and facilitating resolution in even the most challenging cases.
• Judge Brennan (May 30, 8:30–10:00am) will present on “Mock Mediation and the Virtual Mediation,” demonstrating real-world challenges such as deadlock and hard bargaining, and guiding attendees through practical solutions.

Event Details

This workshop will take place in person at The Chicago Bar Association building located at 321 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL 60604.

• May 29, 2025 | 8:25am–5:00pm. | 7 IL MCLE Credit
• May 30, 2025 | 8:30am–12:00pm | 4 IL MCLE Credit

For immediate guidance on mediation, review our articles on how to prepare your client for mediation, creating value while negotiating and tactics for settling sooner in mediation.

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Hon. Margaret A. Brennan, (Ret.) served for 19 years in the Circuit Court of Cook County Chancery and Law Divisions and cultivated expansive knowledge of commercial cases such as employment matters involving discrimination and retaliatory discharge, construction and legal malpractice disputes. Colleagues commend Judge Brennan’s intelligence, persuasiveness, remarkable patience, careful case preparation and boundless energy, which contribute significantly to her success as a senior mediator and arbitrator.

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Hon. William J. Haddad, (Ret.) has spent decades practicing law. Judge Haddad led a civil litigation firm for 18 years, served as a company president and spent 10 years as a Law Division judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County. His broad background allows Judge Haddad to resolve a wide array of commercial and personal injury disputes. Judge Haddad is very active in the Chicago legal and business community and has received numerous awards for his service.

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Hon. Kay M. Hanlon, (Ret.) has expertise in resolving personal injury actions such as medical malpractice, mass torts and product liability, as well as commercial actions such as legal malpractice, eminent domain and subrogation. As a jurist and neutral, Judge Hanlon is always prepared and ready to listen attentively. Her open and friendly demeanor is known throughout the legal community. Her personality is tailor-made for her work as a mediator and arbitrator.

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