The Association for Conflict Resolution Greater New York Chapter (ACR- GNY) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Notable Present Using an AI Coach to Prepare Parties for a Better Mediation Experience

Research confirms the intuitive conclusion that parties who feel well-prepared by their counsel are more likely to reach settlement and report a positive perception of mediation. But what about unrepresented parties—or those who come with little understanding of the process and how to prepare? Led by ADR Notable founder Gary Doernhoefer, this session explores how large language models, trained on carefully selected materials, can provide an accessible “AI Coach” to fill that gap. Participants will see how an AI coach can walk parties through the basics of mediation, explain confidentiality, offer checklists of what to bring, and even run practice sessions on telling their story and listening with a resolution-focused mindset. We’ll discuss both the promise and the limits of this technology, highlighting how mediators can use AI tools ethically and effectively to help parties arrive at the table better prepared—and more open to resolution.