Politics is extraordinarily important to the development and legitimacy of alternative dispute resolution techniques and processes.  Regulation of service delivery and service providers has become an increasingly hot topic.  Regulation of consumer arbitrators is just one California example of good intentions gone bad.  The Arbitration Disclosure requirements are confusing and costly and often add an additional reason to undercut the contractual intentions of the parties through court challenges.

At the La Jolla Center, we believe it is important to be active in politics, support our legislators and enhance their knowledge base with our experience. 

Dave Jones is one of the legislators we support.  Dave is the Chairman of the Assembly Judiciary Committee (and has been since his freshman term).  He is a vigorous advocate for consumer rights and resources.  He is a firm believer in community service as well as community power (he has strongly urged lawyers, for instance, to take their pro bono obligations seriously).

We believe those of us who make a living in dispute resolution need to encourage legislators like Dave to understand the need to maintain consumer access to the whole host of ADR solutions that are currently available.  While we believe that reasonable regulation can enhance consumer confidence, needless regulation always adds layers of cost and process that are often unnecessary and unnecessarily cumbersome.  Come share your thoughts and your generosity with Chairman Jones at the fund-raiser we've scheduled for April 11 at Dick Bayer's house.  Click here for further details and to access the contribution form you can use to make your donation.