LAW-5150: Clinical Experience: Mediation

This course is designed to foster mediation skills while orienting students to major issues in the intersection between law and informal dispute resolution and the delivery and regulation of dispute resolution services. As part of this course, students will receive 40 hours of TN Supreme Court Rule 31-approved mediation training. Through this training, students learn the theoretical and practical underpinnings of the facilitative mediation model and practice mediation skills in simulated case situations. After completing training, students will be required to observe mediations in real cases, and then, in coordination with a local non-profit mediation center, will be authorized to act as co-mediators, partnered with more experienced mediators, in real disputes referred by a court or non-profit mediation center. Students may also be expected to perform certain administrative or other mediation-related tasks. Students will also meet throughout the semester to discuss their cases, receive further instruction and feedback from their instructor, and engage in faculty-guided reflection and self-evaluation.