Mediation

This class explores mediation as a method of dispute resolution and teaches negotiation and advocacy skills. We will consider mediation in many civil practice areas from the perspective of the client, the advocacy attorney, and the mediator. We will discuss whether and when to mediate, how to prepare the client, and how to draft mediated agreements. This course will cover relevant authority and rules governing mediation and will include frequent discussions on legal ethics in the mediation setting.

Written work will consist of six assignments: three Confidential Mediation Statements, and three Mediated Agreements. These written assignments will count for 80% of the course grade, with the remaining 20% of the course grade based on role playing exercises. There will be no end of the semester course examination. Frequent role-playing will explore and reinforce mediation skills.

This course will be limited to 20 participants. Satisfactory completion of this course will enable the new lawyer to understand the role of mediation in the justice system and prepare the lawyer to represent a client in a mediation session.