The Dispute Resolution Section of the Alabama State Bar and the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution invite you to a free 60-minute webinar on October 20, 2020 at noon (CDT). This is a great opportunity for you to learn about the “Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) Workers’ Compensation Division Ombudsman Program.” Our panelists include ADOL Ombuds John Lewis, Patricia Fraley, Robert Thomas, Patrick Pendleton and Theodore Roose.

During the webinar you’ll learn about this free service, the role of the ombudsman, what a benefit review conference is, how to request participation in the Workers’ Compensation mediation program and what to expect from mediation.

You must register no later than October 15, 2020. Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0qc-iupjgtGtSXhvUkqQCI10WcNQrLafiC

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

The American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution (ABA DR) has designated the second Thursday of October as Ombuds Day to coincide with Conflict Resolution Month and as a reiteration of ABA Resolution 103, which provides, “the American Bar Association encourages greater use and development of ombuds programs that comply with generally recognized standards of practice, as an effective means of preventing, managing, and resolving individual and systemic conflicts.” Ombuds Day is an opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of the various models of ombuds programs, highlight the value ombuds bring to the entities and constituents they serve and encourage greater implementation and use of ombuds programs.

This year’s theme is “Ombuds: Unusual name. Important service.” This year we are celebrating Ombuds Day during ABA Mediation Week (October 19 – 23rd).