2023 Award Winners

The following awards were announced at the CPR Annual Meeting in Philadelphia on March 7, 2024. More detail is provided in the Press Releases section of this website.

Annual Awards

The Outstanding Book Award goes to a book published by academics and other professionals during the publication period (November 2022-October 2023) that advances understanding in the field of ADR.

The Outstanding Book Award was presented to Conna A. Weiner and Bennett Picker for Commercial Mediation Practice Guide, ABA (2023). 

Outstanding Professional Article Award is for a professional article published by academics and other professionals in November 2022-October 2023 that advances understanding in the field of ADR.

This year’s Outstanding Professional Article Award was presented to Catherine A. Rogers for “Reconceptualizing the Party-Appointed Arbitrator and the Meaning of Impartiality” 64 Harvard Int’l L. J. 137 (2023)

Outstanding Short Article Award is for a professional short article published by academics and other professionals in November 2022-October 2023 that advances understanding in the field of ADR.

This year’s Outstanding Short Article Award was presented to Donna Shestowsky and Jennifer Shack for “Ten Tips for Getting the Most Out of an Evaluation of Your ODR Program,” 59 Court Rev. 6 (Spring 2023)

Joseph T. McLaughlin Original Student Article or Paper goes to an article or paper written by a student on events or issues in the field of ADR in November 2022-October 2023. Outstanding papers prepared for courses requiring papers as substantial part of grade must be recommended for submission by professor.

The Outstanding Student Article Award went to R. Daniel Knaap for "Arbitrator Conflict-of-Interest Arising from Third-Party Funding in Investment Treaty Arbitration," (2023).

The James F. Henry Award honors outstanding achievement by individuals for distinguished, sustained contributions to the field of ADR. Candidates for the James F. Henry Award are evaluated for leadership, innovation and sustaining commitment to the field.

The James F. Henry Award recipient is the Hon. William H. Webster.  Judge Webster has been active with CPR, where for decades he has provided his wisdom, integrity, and commitment. 

CPR Awards

The CPR Partner of the Year award is given to that member who has made outstanding contributions to the thought leadership of the CPR Institute, who has shown exceptional engagement with CPR’s activities, and who has demonstrated meaningful commitment to CPR’s mission of dispute prevention and resolution.

Cynthia Randall, Deputy General Counsel, Litigation, at Microsoft is the CPR Partner of the Year for 2023.

The James P. Groton Award for Outstanding Leadership in Dispute Prevention recognizes a person or organization who has contributed significantly to the development and/or practice of dispute prevention.

Kate Vitasek is the recipient of the James P. Groton Award for Outstanding Leadership in Dispute Prevention for 2023.

The Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity in ADR recognizes a person or organization who has contributed significantly to diversity in the alternative dispute resolution field.

Dr. Emilia Onyema, Professor at SOAS University of London and independent arbitrator, is the recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Contribution to Diversity in ADR award.