Shape procedural rules, control the calendar, and seize critical early advantages that define your arbitration's final outcome.
The preliminary hearing is one of the most important stages of an arbitration, setting the procedural framework that will influence the efficiency, cost, and direction of the entire proceeding. Effective preparation and strategic participation can help counsel narrow issues early, manage procedural risks, and position cases for successful resolution.
Led by experienced arbitration professionals Lisa Romeo and John Shope, this practical course provides actionable guidance on mastering arbitration preliminary hearings. Participants will explore best practices for preparing agendas, addressing key procedural issues, and establishing effective case management strategies that promote fair, efficient, and well-organised arbitration proceedings.
Key Topics Discussed:
1 activity • 1 videos • duration: 1h 11m

Partner | Foley Hoag
John’s energy industry litigation is conducted on behalf of a wide range of public and private industry clients. He has handled constitutional challenges to the deregulation and taxation of electric utilities, and represents both independent power producers and public utilities in energy-related disputes resolved through litigation, arbitration, and state and federal regulatory proceedings. For over 25 years, John has represented companies and institutions faced with class action and other aggregate liability claims. John also has experience in a wide variety of commercial disputes, ranging from business divorces, non-competes, trade secrets, and breaches of contract to civil fraud. For over fifteen years, John has served on the large complex case, commercial, energy, expedited, and other arbitration panels of the American Arbitration Association and the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (CPR), and has served as the arbitrator in over seventy (70) arbitrations, including as solo, panelist, expedited, emergency, appellate, and mass arbitration process arbitrator. In addition to deciding cases, he frequently acts as counsel for parties in arbitration and assists clients with the drafting of arbitration and other dispute resolution clauses. He was named a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. As a Special Assistant District Attorney, John conducted one dozen criminal jury trials. He has won civil fraud trials in both state and federal court as well as state and federal appeals.

Vice President | American Arbitration Association
Lisa is Vice President at the American Arbitration Association’s Boston Regional Office, responsible for recruiting potential arbitrators, outreach, education, and business development for Commercial disputes in New England. She also manages large, complex commercial arbitrations in Massachusetts. She is the national co-lead for Technology business development for the AAA and also performs outreach and education in the Cannabis, Insurance, and Franchise industries. Employed by the AAA since 1988, Lisa has a B.A. from Bates College and a Master of Science in Management from Lesley University, with a focus on Institutional Development.