Training Topics

Legal and Tech Updates. Review the latest developments in case law, court rules and policies impacting mediation in Michigan. With the group’s help, we’ll also share new and improved strategies for mediating in the online tech environment.

Handling Dynamics of Multi-Party Disputes. Using various exercises and breakouts, mediators will learn how to deal with the challenges of working with more players than found in the typical two-party dispute.

What's In YOUR Mediator Retention Agreement? (What's missing?) Is your agreement in writing? Does it comply with Michigan's Standards of Conduct for Mediators? How far can your indemnification provision go? Does it protect you as scrivener of the parties' agreement? We will examine ways to strengthen your agreement for the benefit of both you and your clients.

Judicial Involvement in Mediation: Tool or Trauma? As courts work to manage complicated dockets, judges and ADR neutrals are getting creative in their efforts to settle cases. Is it ever appropriate for the mediator and the judge to work together on a case? In what specific ways? At whose initiative? Is it effective? Are the hoped for rewards worth the risks? Lots to explore!

Whose Solution Is It? Let's face it: sometimes mediators and attorneys become eager to push parties towards a deal once an agreement is in sight. Such eagerness can create late-in-the-day tension between nailing down an agreement versus addressing one party’s hesitation. We will address this tension by considering cases where mediators may have been a bit too hasty to close the deal (resulting in further litigation over the terms of the parties' agreement), and what they could have done differently to satisfy everyone's concerns.

Pre-Session Assignment. To obtain the full eight hours of advanced mediation training credit, attendees will need to complete a pre-session assignment. The assignment is budgeted to take only one hour to complete and merely requires trainees to consider and reflect on engaging videos and articles. Details will be sent upon registering.

SCAO Approved! The Michigan State Court Administrative Office has approved this training for up to eight hours of advanced civil or domestic mediation training credits required by MCR 2.411 (F)(4) and MCR 3.216(G)(3) to remain on court rosters. The full eight hours of credit consists of seven hours of in-class training plus the one-hour, pre-session "homework" assignment.

What past attendees have had to say about our online trainings:

• Trainers were very knowledgeable and did an excellent job!

• I liked the friendly, disarming environment.

• Appreciated the cadence, variety, and depth.

• High-energy cogent presenters, with good topics.

• A well-planned session. The opportunities to discuss problems with the trainers was very valuable.

• Online format with access to materials is most convenient for me.

• Good combination of trainer presentations and breakouts.

• Appreciated the interaction with presenters, the breakouts, exchanging ideas and real-life experiences.

TICKET PRICES & REFUND POLICY:

Tickets: $275 until May 7, 2023 ($295 after May 7, 2023)

Full refunds (minus Eventbrite's small admin fee) before May 29, 2023