The Future of Dispute Resolution Is Already Here: 3 Trends for 2026 with Susan Guthrie on the Practice Playbook Podcast #552

What trends will shape dispute resolution in 2026? How should mediators and arbitrators adapt right now? And what does this mean for your business plan going forward? In this episode of The Practice Playbook Podcast, Susan Guthrie breaks down the three most important trends shaping dispute resolution in 2026 and explains how dispute resolution professionals can use these shifts to future-proof their practices. This conversation grew out of Susan’s work on the third book in the Practice Playbook Series, The Business Planning Playbook, and centers on one essential idea: A business plan is not a one-and-done document. It is a living strategy that must evolve as the world and your practice change. You will learn how AI is becoming infrastructure in dispute resolution, why the profession is moving beyond hourly billing, and how specialization in emerging practice areas is driving growth in the U.S. and globally. This episode also includes a free downloadable handout with sample AI prompts to help you apply these ideas immediately. What You’ll Learn Why AI is now part of everyday dispute resolution practice How AI can support pricing analysis and innovative fee models Why the shift is not flat fees versus hourly billing, but moving beyond hourly billing entirely How AI Deep Research and Learning Mode can help you identify emerging practice areas Why specialization is driving visibility and opportunity in 2026 How emerging trends should inform your business plan this year and beyond The 3 Trends Covered 1. AI as Infrastructure AI is no longer optional. Used responsibly, it enhances judgment, preparation, and workflow efficiency. 2. Moving Beyond Hourly Billing Clients want clarity and predictability. Innovative pricing models align services with value, not time. 3. Specialization and Emerging Practice Areas Growth is increasingly driven by depth, particularly in areas like data privacy, employment, and ESG-related disputes. Free Download: AI Prompt Handout Download the companion resource to this episode, including sample AI prompts to help you: Evaluate your current pricing Explore innovative pricing models Research emerging practice areas Build a learning and positioning plan 📥 Download here: https://susaneguthrie.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/ai-placeholder-8 Related Resources The Business Planning Playbook The Flat Fee Playbook The Thought Leadership Playbook Upcoming Live Session 🎙 Ask Susan Anything: New Year Practice Building Focus 📅 February 2 A free live session for dispute resolution professionals ready to break old patterns and build smarter strategies. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ggtQJudk Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices. Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Daily Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following. As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world. Connect with Susan E. Guthrie Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast