MEDIATION SKILLS - Hamline Law

REQUIRED READING
MV Chapters 1-3
MPPE Chapters 1-2; Chapter 3 (pp. 91-112)
Wednesday, July 16
Overview of the Mediation Process; Mediator Roles, Orientations, & Styles; Opening
Statement
Introduction to, and overview of, the mediation process, with practical focus on the opening
statement.
Accumulating Information and Listening Constructively
Demonstration and analysis focusing on fact-gathering techniques, note-taking skills, and
questioning skills. Interactive exercises will illuminate the task of translating hostile and
adversarial communication into building blocks of collaborative dialogue.
Required Reading
MV Chapters 4-7
MPPE Chapter 3 (pp. 113-134) & Chapter 6 (pp. 213-255)
Thursday, July 17
Framing Interests and Issues to Construct the Agenda
Lecture and discussion examining the mediator's role in, and responsibility for, identifying,
framing and ordering the issues in dispute. Exercises will follow.
Diversity, Power and Fairness
Discussion, analysis and exercises focusing on interpersonal and communication skills critical to
facilitating dialogue in contexts in which issues of cultural, gender and ethnic diversity are
pervasive. What role, if any, does the mediator play in "balancing" power?
Required Reading
MV Chapter 8
MPPE review pp. 213-255 in Chapter 6 (with special attention to pp. 253-255);
Chapter 7 (pp. 290-301)
Saturday, July 19
Mediator Strategies for Generating Settlement
Lecture, discussion, and exercises examining the rationale of various settlement strategies that a
mediator can use to move the parties towards agreement. Analysis will highlight persuasive
techniques for moving parties from impasse to settlement.
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