Ombuds Day 2026 | Options in Action: Where Mediation Meets the Ombuds World

 October 8, 2026 | 9:00 AM PT - 12:00 PM PT | No Cost

Join the ABA Dispute Resolution Section Ombuds Committee for this year’s Ombuds Day program, exploring the shared principles of confidentiality, self-determination, and fairness across ombuds and mediation practices.

The program will examine how the philosophy and values of ombuds work connect with broader mediation practices and how different ombuds models empower individuals and institutions to navigate complex conflict. The session will feature conversations between ombuds and dispute resolution leaders, followed by a live expert panel and analysis.

October 8 | 9:00 AM PT | 12:00 PM ET

This program is open to ombuds, aspiring ombuds, ombuds-curious professionals, and other dispute resolution practitioners. This program is free to attend.

Register Today

More details: 

• Welcome 
• Ken Skodacek, former Co-Chair of the Ombuds Committee and Ombuds Day Committee
• Featured Conversations: Recorded conversations between ombuds and ABA Dispute Resolution Section leaders reflecting on shared values, philosophy, and interest-based problem-solving across practice settings.
• Doug Mintz, DR Section Chair & Mediator with Marcus Stergio, former Co-Chair Ombuds Day Subcommittee
• Ellie Vilendrer, DR Section Chair-Elect & Mediator/Arbitrator with Bathabile Mthombeni, Co-Chair Ombuds Committee
• Felicia Harris Hoss, DR Section Vice Chair, with Caroline Adams, former Co-Chair Ombuds Committee
• Christopher Ernst, DR Section Mediation Committee Co-Chair, with Ryan Smith, former Co-Chair Ombuds Committee
• Cristina Blunt, DR Section Mediation Committee Co-Chair, with Matt Ricke, Co-Chair Ombuds Committee
• Lou Hockman, Co-Chair, DR Section Ethics Committee, with Meg Willoughby
• Live Expert Panel & Analysis: Commentators, including Alec Chapa, Chair, Ombuds Day Subcommittee, and experienced housing and long-term care ombuds, and Paul Sotoudeh, experienced federal and university ombuds