Susan E. Guthrie: Revolutionizing Family Law and Mediation in the Age of New Technologies

With a career spanning over three decades, Susan E. Guthrie has emerged as one of the most influential voices in family law and mediation, transforming her expertise into a force for innovation. By integrating innovative technologies into legal practice, she not only helps professionals navigate an ever-changing landscape but also enlightens the public on novel approaches to conflict resolution. Through her dedication to education and training, Susan Guthrie continues to inspire and guide the next generation toward more innovative and effective practices.

Spotlight: Susan E. Guthrie 

With over 32 years of experience as a divorce attorney and mediator, Guthrie is now working to educate professionals and to inform the public on conflict resolution, legal technologies, and effective divorce strategies.

In 2020, she co-founded the Mosten Guthrie Academy with Forrest “Woody” Mosten, providing innovative training programs for attorneys, mediators, and related professionals. More broadly, Guthrie serves as a frequent media contributor at outlets such as News Nation Morning in America, CNBC, Market Watch, and New York Lawyer Magazine. She is also the creator and host of the award-winning “The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie, Esq.” and “Make Money Mediating Podcast.” Recently, she was elected as Chair of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution. 

Harnessing legal technologies to better serve clients 

Susan Guthrie has maintained a special focus on the integration of technology in legal practice. She highlights that, despite tech hiccups along the way, the innovations that arose in response to COVID-19 delivered undeniable benefits: increased efficiency, greater flexibility, and expanded access to justice. 

“This experience shattered the myth that technology and the law were incompatible”

– Susan E. Guthrie

In addition to the Mosten Guthrie Academy, Susan Guthrie also offers workshops and one-on-one sessions on integrating AI tools into dispute resolution practices. Guthrie provides extensive insights into the current landscape of AI tools, exploring applications beyond ChatGPT, such as time management platforms, legal research engines, and transcription software. Her approach aims to incorporate these technologies into legal practices both effectively and ethically.

Broadly, Guthrie has written and spoken extensively on how dispute resolution professionals can best navigate the world of legal technology. She teaches how professionals can stay abreast of current technologies, build skills to enhance their practices, and maintain trust with clients throughout. Guthrie explains that, rather than replacing mediators, modern technologies can enhance their ability to provide “human skills like building rapport, active listening, and empathy”.

Don’t miss our fireside chat on October 11, 2024! 

To conclude our Annual Conference on “Families and the Law,” taking place from October 9 to 11 in Winnipeg, Chief Justice Marianne Rivoalen will host a fireside chat with Susan Guthrie. This conversation will address the evolving roles of mediators, lawyers, and other legal professionals in a rapidly changing landscape. While innovative technologies and ideas can be daunting at first, innovative approaches are exactly what is needed to better support individuals and families in Canada amidst the significant challenges facing family law.  

Join us for the conference

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