2026 CLE/CME for DRC-Certified Mediators: Giving Settlement a Chance - LIVE

This is a LIVE Webinar on Zoom, with the opportunity to ask questions.

If you would prefer to view this seminar On-Demand, it was initially presented and recorded on 5/29/26. To register for the On-Demand instead, click here.

3 hours CLE / 2 hours CME

This seminar has been approved:

• by the NC Board of Continuing Legal Education for 3 hours of general CLE Credit.
• by the NC Dispute Resolution Commission for 2 hours of CME Credit

Every active MSC and FFS mediator certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission (DRC) must annually complete 2 hours of continuing mediator education (CME) certified by the DRC. As this credit is not permitted to roll over to subsequent years, the DRC has approved this course for only 2 hours of CME. Review the DRC FAQs about CME credit here.

First Hour

Mediation on Appeal: Court Opinions on Point

Presenter: Sharon Tracey Barrett
What have appellate court decisions said about mediation, and what does it mean for mediators? This segment will examine court decisions related to mediation and help mediators understand how the mediation statutes and rules are applied in the final analysis: on appeal.

Second Hour

Let’s talk about the DRC Guidelines? No, no, no. DRC Principles. No, not that either. DRC Directives! Nope, that is not right. I know - the DRC RULES.

Presenter: Tara Kozlowski

Come with me on a journey into the DRC Website. Our first stop, the Rules. We will examine not just what the Rules mean, but how they came to be, why they exist, and what they accomplish if followed. Along our path down the windy road into the various rabbit holes of the DRC website, we will review a few Advisory Opinions, new and old, a few forms, and a brochure or two. We will also cover best practices if you find yourself in the middle of a storm and need a lifeline to survive without any damage!

Third Hour

Moving Past Barriers to Agreement While Respecting Party Self- Determination

Presenter: Frank Goldsmith
This segment will address techniques a mediator can use to overcome barriers to settlement and avoid impasse while conforming to Rule 6(b)(3) (requiring mediators to determine in a timely manner whether an impasse exists), Standard 2 (requiring mediators to remain impartial), Standard 4 (encouraging benefits of settlement without exerting undue pressure), Standard 5 (respecting the parties’ right to self-determination), and Standard 6 (prohibiting the mediator from giving legal advice). The session will include how to identify and prevent potential obstacles to settlement; how to encourage the parties to think realistically about their alternatives to settlement; communication skills for hearing and conveying offers; and last-stage options a mediator can employ.