The federal judge overseeing the litigation brought by family members of Sept. 11 victims, as well as injured survivors, has closed the book on nearly all the cases. He cited mediation efforts by New York attorney Sheila L. Birnbaum that settled 72 of the 95 outstanding matters. Birnbaum discusses her special master assignment, and the emotionpacked mediation sessions.

Russ Bleemer and Philip Sutter, of New York, analyze the effects of new mediation training and disclosure rules in Florida targeted at state judges on senior status. Also, the Federal Interagency ADR Working Group releases for comment three new practice guides, with implications for anyone doing business with the government, and a followup item discussing the latest on California's arbitrator ethics standards, which are about to be revised.

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Behind the CPR 2007 Corporate Leadership Award, a top ConocoPhillips Inc. attorney discusses the oil giant's ADR‐first strategy.

A Pittsburgh attorney who developed a diversity fellowship now focuses on a report that will help others expand the profession through a mentor program. Also, the Italian Legislature proposes permitting, for the first time, class actions for money damages–but sets up an ADR facility to administer the payouts