Finally, after two years in the planning, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan along with the American Arbitration Association is making available a basic arbitration training course to be held on November 18th 2015 at the State Bar of Michigan Offices in Lansing, Michigan. This program will be limited to 24 participants at a cost of $250.00 at will start at 8:30 AM and conclude at 5:30 PM. The cost includes lunch and snacks during the day and all program materials. Mary Bedikian and Sam McCargo, both of whom have extensive arbitration experience, will be the primary trainers, and Jan Holdinski of AAA and I will also be adding our insights and observations. This is the first time a basic arbitration skills course has been offered in the State of Michigan. Prior to this course, the only way to get basic arbitration training was to be admitted to a AAA panel who then required and offered the basic course training. It was almost like "putting the cart before the horse". Two years ago the ADR Section thought this should be a high priority to establish and I am proud to see it to fruition. If you want to be a part of this training program, let me know and I will make sure you get the information on how to register. Remember it will be first come first serve. I hope to see you there.