About Robert A. Baruch Bush

Robert A. Baruch Bush was one of the world's most influential scholars and practitioners in the field of mediation. As the Rains Distinguished Professor of Alternative Dispute Resolution at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University and Co-Founder of the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation, he devoted more than four decades to advancing the theory and practice of conflict resolution.

Professor Bush was widely recognized as one of the originators of the Transformative Approach to Mediation, introduced in the groundbreaking book The Promise of Mediation, co-authored with Dr. Joseph Folger. His scholarship fundamentally reshaped the field by emphasizing mediation as a process that fosters empowerment, recognition, and human dignity—not simply the settlement of disputes. His work continues to influence mediators, educators, courts, and conflict resolution practitioners around the world.

NYSDRA was privileged to welcome Professor Bush as one of our 2023 keynote speakers and then again as a keynote speaker at our 2025 Annual Conference, where he delivered The Moral Dimension of Mediation: Celebrating My Friend and Colleague Len Riskin. When Professor Leonard Riskin was unexpectedly unable to present, Bob immediately agreed to step in and chose to dedicate his keynote to his longtime friend and intellectual partner. It was a remarkable act of generosity, humility, and friendship that reflected the very values he spent his career teaching.

Professor Bush passed away on February 27, 2026, leaving an immeasurable legacy within the ADR community. His scholarship, mentorship, and unwavering belief in the transformative potential of conflict engagement continue to inspire generations of practitioners. As we gather for NYSDRA's 2026 Annual Conference, we are honored to celebrate his life, his work, and his enduring contribution to the field of peaceful dispute resolution.