Mediation knowledge and skills are an increasingly important adjunct to legal practice. There are significant differences between being a legal adviser for litigation purposes and being an adviser in mediation or as a lawyer/mediator.

Our mediation courses focus on the professionals in the mediation process, whether as advocates or mediators. You will learn new skills, and enhance and adapt skills you currently possess as a lawyer. This workshop is about understanding the principles and process of mediation so you can improve your representation of parties at mediation and your awareness of the role of a mediator. It includes identifying the learning (and unlearning) necessary to be a mediator and applying that knowledge to practice. The companion course, Mediation Skills and Strategies, will build on this course or the equivalent in prior learning and experience.

Learning objectives

You will be able to:

• Recognise the difference between the advice as counsel for the parties in litigation and in mediation.
• Understand the essentials of the mediation process.
• Explore the role and responsibilities of the mediator.
• Apply confidentiality rules and other professional obligations to a mediation.
• Identify the qualities needed to be an effective mediator
• Identify constructive behaviours in mediation and how to deal with unconstructive ones.

Format

Starts Friday 9.30am, finishes Saturday 5pm. We use a range of instruction and learning techniques, including formal instruction, interactive discussion and problem identification and practice. There is pre-course reading and you will complete a reflective post-course assignment.

Who should attend

This course is for those who want to gain a better understanding of the mediation process. It is suitable for lawyers who do not have formal training in mediation so they can better assist their clients in mediation who; need to refresh a previous qualification; or who wish to explore the mediator role themselves. Note: The workshop is limited to 30 people.

Materials

Soon after you register you will be sent the set text Mediation: Principles, Process and Practice – Boulle, Goldblatt and Green. Shortly thereafter you will be sent the course materials folder that will contain other reading that you complete before the course and then brush up on during the two days.

Timing

• Day 1: 9.00am - 5.30pm
• Day 2: 9.00am - 5.00pm

Presenters

• Virginia Goldblatt, MNZM - May, July
• Geoff Sharp - May
• David Patten - July
• Adam Lewis

Fee (incl GST)

Workshop

• $985 - NZLS members and Associate members
• $1,185 - Non-members

Do you want to register more than one person for this course? Click here

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available through the Douglas Wilson Advocacy Scholarship Trust. Applications for assistance must be received by: 

• Auckland 5pm on 3 April 2019. 
• Wellington 5pm on 26 June 2019. 

Late applications cannot be considered.

Please note: You must still register to attend this course, either online or by completing a registration form.

Download a Douglas Wilson Advocacy Scholarship Trust application form (123KB).

Download PDF brochure and registration form here.

Cancellation and refund policy

Please note: Minimum and maximum numbers apply. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come/first-served basis. Registrations close 10 working days before the presentation date (the closing date). NZLS CLE Ltd reserves the right to cancel any session that does not reach the budgeted minimum number of registrations. This decision will be made on the closing date and a full refund will be made to each registrant of the cancelled session. If you cancel your registration before the closing date, a refund will be made, less a $100 administration fee. After the closing date, there will be no refund. You may transfer your registration until five working days before the presentation. Please advise NZLS CLE Ltd in writing of the change.

Held in conjunction with