Events & Trainings
New York State Lemon Law Arbitration Training
Presented by John O'Malley & The New York State Attorney General's Office
October 27-28, 2026
9:00AM - 4:30PM
Virtually via Zoom
(Registration details to be announced soon!)
NYSDRA is proud to announce its 2026 Lemon Law Arbitration Training to be held October 27 & 28, 2026! This training is for Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC) staff and affiliates to become newly trained in Lemon Law arbitration or to "refresh" their existing training skills in this area. This training is also open to the public for those who wish to become certified Lemon Law arbitrators in New York State! CLE credits will also be offered for this training for qualifying attorneys!
NYSDRA members will also receive a discount for this training!
Day One of the training will include a morning presentation with the New York State Attorney General's Office. Kris Manzur and Melvin Goldberg will discuss the New York State Attorney General's Lemon Law Arbitration Program, the types of cases they manage, the origins of the Lemon Law and what the Lemon Law covers.
After lunch, Lemon Law arbitrator John O'Malley will discuss general arbitration proceedings, forms of arbitration, documents required for arbitration, note taking and other general concepts related to arbitration.
Day Two of the training will begin with a second presentation from John. He will discuss the general arbitration process as it relates to Lemon Law, remedies for consumers in Lemon Law cases, settlement agreements, vehicle inspections and test drives.
After lunch, John will return to discuss the challenges with Lemon Law arbitrations, remedies for either party under CPLR Article 75, Lemon Law process deadlines and other crucial components of Lemon Law arbitration.
Lastly, NYSDRA's Lemon Law Arbitration Program Manager, Don Raiano, will discuss the case management process at NYSDRA, the case filing procedures, Lemon Law case fees, CDRC involvement, modification requests and award calculations.
This year’s training will feature several topics including:
- Lemon Law Concepts & Coverage
- General Arbitration Proceedings
- Challenges with Lemon Law Arbitrations
- Article 75 & Legal Remedies
- The Lemon Law Case Management Process at NYSDRA
- Award Calculations & Modifications
About the Lemon Law Arbitration Trainer
John O'Malley is a seasoned Arbitrator with over a decade of experience in the NY Lemon Law Program, handling cases involving various vehicles including motorcycles, RVs, and wheelchairs. He also serves as an Arbitrator for Attorney/Client Fee Disputes under Part 137 and as a Community Mediator with the DRC of Hudson Valley.
Before becoming a neutral, John spent over 35 years representing workers in labor disputes, starting his career with a telephone workers' union. His work focused on contract enforcement and labor law, requiring deep understanding of contract language, intent, and evolution. Trained at Cornell’s School of Labor and Industrial Relations, he later became a trainer himself, helping others advocate effectively for workers.
John transitioned into negotiating contracts for public sector employees, allowing him to shape agreements and understand them from both the labor and management perspectives—skills that now inform his arbitration work. During this time, he earned a degree in communications and organizational leadership, was elected president of the local Central Labor Council, and served as Legislative and Political Director, writing and interpreting policy and legislation.
His exposure to arbitration and mediation led him to pursue formal training, initially mediating in court and community settings. He was later recruited into the NY Lemon Law arbitration program, where he also trains new arbitrators. With broad experience and ongoing professional development, John continues to refine his skills in both mediation and arbitration, helping parties reach fair and lasting resolutions.
Attorney-Client Fee Dispute Resolution Arbitration Training
Presented by The New York State Unified Court System
October 22-23, 2026
9:30AM - 1:00PM
Price: Free
Virtually via Zoom
NYSDRA is proud to announce the 2026 Attorney-Client Fee Dispute Resolution Arbitration Training! Learn how you can strengthen public trust in the legal profession while enhancing your dispute resolution skills. A free, virtual two-day arbitrators’ training sponsored by the New York State Unified Court System’s Attorney-Client Fee Dispute Resolution Program and the New York County Lawyers Association will take place October 22 and 23, 2026, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM (EDT). Attorneys and non-attorneys are welcome. Attendance on both days is required.
About the Fee Dispute Resolution Program
The New York State Court System has a Statewide Fee Dispute Resolution Program (FDRP) to resolve disputes over fees between attorneys and clients.
In general, a lawyer may not sue a client in court over a fee dispute unless he or she first gave the client notice of the right to use the FDRP. Once the client has received this notice, the client has 30 days to decide whether to use the FDRP. If the client doesn’t send in the completed Client Request for Fee Arbitration form to the local program within 30 days, the lawyer is free to pursue the matter in court.
The program is voluntary for the client to use unless the client and attorney agreed ahead of time to use the FDRP if they had a fee dispute. The FDRP accepts cases where the attorney claims that the client owes money and where the client claims he or she is entitled to a refund.
Space is limited. Register here.
To view the training flyer, click here.
ACCES-VR Mediation Training
Presented by NYSDRA in Partnership with NYSED/ACCES-VR
September 29-30, 2026
9:00AM - 1:00PM
Price: $250 (Free for CDRC Staff & Volunteers)
Virtually via Zoom
Have you been curious about ACCES-VR mediation but never had the opportunity to get involved? Were you trained years ago and looking for a refresher? Are you interested in expanding your mediation practice into a specialized and impactful area of dispute resolution?
Now is the perfect time to reconnect, refresh, or get started.
As NYSDRA works to strengthen New York State's ACCES-VR mediator network and increase awareness of mediation as a dispute resolution option within the vocational rehabilitation system, we are actively seeking both current and prospective ACCES-VR mediators to join us for this year's annual training.
The training will be led by Amber Russell, Statewide Director of the New York State Agricultural Mediation Program and ACCES-VR trainer since 2016, and will feature presentations from David Morgan and Jemima Post of NYSED/ACCES-VR's Quality Assurance Team.
Whether you are:
A current ACCES-VR mediator looking to refresh your knowledge and skills,
A former ACCES-VR mediator interested in reconnecting with the program,
A Special Education, Early Intervention, Community, or Court Mediator interested in expanding your practice,
A CDRC Coordinator interested in learning more about referrals and program opportunities,
Or a mediator curious about supporting individuals receiving vocational rehabilitation services,
this training is designed for you.
Participants will hear directly from ACCES-VR staff, explore current policies and procedures, strengthen mediation skills, and gain practical insight into resolving disputes within the vocational rehabilitation system.
Why Attend?
Refresh your understanding of ACCES-VR mediation practices and procedures
Hear directly from NYSED/ACCES-VR staff
Connect with mediators and dispute resolution professionals from across New York State
Explore opportunities to become involved with the ACCES-VR Mediation Program
Stay current on program updates and best practices
Earn continuing education hours while strengthening your ADR skill set
Training Topics
- The ACCES-VR due process system and mediation's role within it
- Vocational rehabilitation services and dispute resolution options
- Inclusive mediation practices and accessibility considerations
- Ethical facilitation and mediator responsibilities
- Managing challenging mediation dynamics
- Agreement development and documentation requirements
- ACCES-VR case procedures, timelines, and reporting expectations
- Practical exercises and case studies designed specifically for ACCES-VR mediators
About ACCES-VR Mediation
The ACCES-VR Mediation Program helps individuals receiving vocational rehabilitation services and ACCES-VR staff resolve disputes through a confidential, voluntary mediation process. As awareness of the program continues to grow, NYSDRA is committed to maintaining a strong statewide network of skilled mediators ready to serve communities across New York State.
Interested in attending?
Complete the ACCES-VR Training Interest Form to be considered for participation. We look forward to welcoming both new and returning mediators to the ACCES-VR community.
30-Hour Basic Mediation Training
Presented by Mediation Matters
September 28-October 1, 2026
9:00AM - 5:00PM Each Day
Price: $995
Saratoga Springs, NY
Mediation Matters is excited to offer a 30-hour Initial Mediation Training, taking place from September 28 to October 1 in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Led by longtime mediator and conflict resolution trainer Jenny Besch, this four-day, Part 146 approved training is an opportunity to develop practical skills for navigating conflict, facilitating productive conversations, and helping people find a path forward.
September 28–October 1, 2026
9:00 AM–5:00 PM each day
Mediation Matters | 480 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Cost: $995
Whether you're interested in becoming a mediator or simply want to strengthen the way you approach conflict in your work and community, we'd love to have you join us.
Space is limited to just 20 participants. To register, email operations@mediationmatters.org with your name, phone number, mailing address, email address, and any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Interested in putting your new skills into practice while giving back to your community? A discounted volunteer option is also available for participants who commit to volunteering with Mediation Matters for two years. Let us know when you register if you'd like more information.