This group is limited to people who have completed at least one Self-Reflection in Action course. It is an ongoing one year program with 4 quarterly meetings. Jan. 21, Apr. 21, Aug. 4, & Nov. 17, 2012

The Mediation Intensive Training provides both experienced mediators and those new to the field with the perspective and skills necessary to work within the Center's model of mediation. Participants learn what it takes to shift from a stance of advocacy to one of mediation - for professionals and parties alike. The program is open to attorneys as well as other professionals working to integrate the principles of mediation into their practice or work. Our prior participants have included ombudspeople, collaborative coaches, family business consultants, non-profit staff and other professionals who work with conflict.

Integrating the law and the participation of lawyers into the mediation process without having the law or lawyers dominate is a significant challenge for mediators.  In this program, we will clarify the role of the law in mediation and teach mediators how to guide parties to their own determination of the weight and relevance of the law to their situation and how lawyers can participate in a way that supports their clients and the mediation process. Participants will learn the following:

•How law can be used to enhance the parties’ understanding and empowerment without having it take over from other reference points for decision-making

•Why to bring in the law and the value of the underlying principles of the law

•How to bring in the law with lawyers in the room and without the lawyers in the room

Faculty: Gary J. Friedman and Catherine Conner