Course Section | Columbia Law School

Section Description Provided by Instructor

LLM writing credit is available with professor permission.

This course will introduce students to the theory and practice of mediation. It will give students an understanding of the structure of the mediation process, the techniques used by mediators, the variations in mediator styles and the law regulating mediation. It will also examine the ways lawyers can best use the mediation process when advocating for their clients covering such topics as mediator selection, client preparation, mediation strategy, and the lawyerâ??s ethical obligations during mediation. The course will also consider broader issues about the place of mediation and mediators in the justice system and the impact on traditional notions of access to justice of court mandated mediation.
This course will involve reading, discussion, role-playing and simulation exercises. Students will participate in several out of class simulated mediations, complete 2 or 3 short written assignments, and have the option of either taking a final examination or writing a research paper. Grades will be based on written work, class contributions and participation, performance in class exercises and the final paper or exam.
Attendance is mandatory. Enrollment will be limited to 30 students. The course is not open to students who have taken the mediation clinic.