Join us for an engaging evening of learning and connection at the WBAI’s Strategic Advocacy in Mediation: Insights from the Mediator’s Chair CLE and networking event on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in Chicago. Gain valuable strategies and unique perspectives from the mediator’s chair to enhance your effectiveness and adaptability in mediation. Drawing on the exceptional judicial experience and insight of our distinguished panel, the discussion will provide practical guidance you can apply immediately in your practice. After the CLE, enjoy appetizers and refreshments provided by JAMS and take advantage of dedicated time to network with peers and gain tools to strengthen your mediation skills.

Agenda Highlights:
4:30 PM – Session begins & introductions
4:40 PM – Panel discussion:
 • Settlement conferences from the bench
 • Mediation mindset and ethical considerations
 • Pre-mediation preparation and statements
 • Inside the mediation session: joint sessions, caucuses, breaking impasse, and resolution
5:30 PM – Q&A session (optional)
5:45 – 7:00 PM – Networking reception

Event Details:

About the Panelists:

Hon. Mary Colleen Roberts, (Ret.) is a Mediator, Arbitrator, and Court Appointed Neutral at JAMS. Drawing on nearly twenty years of judicial experience—including extensive service in the Law Division’s Motion, Jury, and Commercial Sections—Judge Mary Colleen Roberts brings seasoned judgment, evaluative insight, and a collaborative spirit to her role as a Mediator, Arbitrator, and Court Appointed Neutral at JAMS.

Hon. Clare E. McWilliams, (Ret.) is a Mediator, Arbitrator and Special Master with Resolute Systems, LLC., and a Trustee for the personal injury trusts for claimants of asbestos related diseases. Drawing on nearly two decades of Cook County Circuit Court judicial experience and a deep understanding of complex civil and commercial litigation, Judge Clare McWilliams brings seasoned insight and balanced judgment to her role as a mediator with Resolute Systems, LLC.

Hon. Mary M. Rowland was sworn in as a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois on August 22, 2019. She served as a Magistrate Judge for the same court from October 2012 to August 2019. While a magistrate judge, she presided over hundreds of mediations. She graduated from the University of Chicago Law School in 1988.

Hon. Elizabeth M. Budzinski, (Ret.) was a hard-working, meticulous and highly sought-after trial judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County for 20 years before joining ADR Systems as a senior mediator and arbitrator.  She is skilled at bringing even the most recalcitrant parties to a resolution of their dispute. Attorneys who have settled cases with Judge Budzinski describe her as diligent, fair and someone who can keep the parties talking.

Hon. Marguerite A. Quinn, (Ret.) brings 38 years of legal experience to her role as a senior mediator and arbitrator at ADR Systems. On the bench she presided over both commercial and personal injury cases, including one of the largest toxic tort cases in Cook County. Judge Marguerite Quinn offers seasoned, pragmatic guidance as a senior mediator and arbitrator at ADR Systems.