In Memoriam: Thomas L. Sager

The International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR Institute) mourns the passing of former CPR board member Thomas L. Sager, respected corporate counsel and influential advocate for alternative dispute resolution. Sager died at his Bethany Beach, Del., home on Sept. 14 at age 76. 

Sager dedicated his career to advancing a more thoughtful, efficient, and collaborative approach to resolving disputes. As Senior Vice President and General Counsel of DuPont, he helped shape the legal profession's understanding of how corporate legal departments can create value through proactive dispute management, early case assessment, mediation, and arbitration. His leadership contributed to the development of the DuPont Legal Model, which became an important example of innovation in legal services and conflict resolution.

At the CPR Institute, Sager was a trusted colleague, strategic thinker, generous supporter, and champion of the organization's mission. He believed that those entrusted with leadership in the legal profession had a responsibility to give back and help advance the field for future generations. As one longtime CPR colleague observed, Tom was "the ultimate board member." He served from 2009 to 2015.

Sager's commitment to inclusion and opportunity left a lasting impact. He helped establish the predecessor to CPR's International Dispute Resolution Engagement Committee and served as one of its inaugural co-chairs. He also helped secure DuPont's early support for the initiative and encouraged other corporations and law firms to join the effort. His work built upon DuPont's longstanding commitment to increasing the pool of talent in the legal profession and helped support CPR's continuing efforts to broaden participation throughout the ADR community.

A strong advocate for mediation and arbitration, Sager emphasized that dispute resolution should be viewed not merely as an alternative to litigation, but also as a practical business tool capable of preserving relationships, reducing risk, and creating better outcomes. He was an early supporter of CPR's corporate ADR initiatives, including the 21st Century Corporate ADR Pledge, and encouraged legal departments to institutionalize dispute resolution practices across global organizations. His contributions helped shape conversations that continue to influence how companies manage conflict today.

In recognition of his leadership and contributions to the field, Tom was a co-recipient of CPR's 2009 Corporate Leadership Award, receiving the honor alongside Amy W. Schulman of Pfizer. The award reflected the impact he had on both his profession and the broader ADR community.

Those who worked with Sager remember not only his accomplishments but also his generosity, integrity, mentorship, and thoughtful counsel. He approached difficult problems with both practicality and vision and never lost sight of the importance of service. Throughout his career, he remained committed to improving the way disputes are resolved and to strengthening the institutions that support those efforts.

CPR Institute extends its deepest condolences to Sager's family, friends, former colleagues at DuPont, and the many members of the legal and ADR communities whose lives he influenced.

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