In the classroom
Students receive mediation skills training through simulations and analyze the ethical, systemic, and jurisprudential issues involved in the alternative dispute resolution movement. They consider how feelings, background values, intrinsic bias, and personal style affect performance in a professional role. Students also observe “neutrals,” aka mediators, at work in a variety of settings.
In the field
Students mediate disputes in pairs at the Bronx Superior Court every week in both civil and small claims courts. Cases include disputes between neighbors, roommates, family members and co-workers as well as business and organizational conflicts.
In addition, students develop cases through New York State’s Presumptive Alternative Dispute Resolution Program (PAP). Students work with parties who have filed cases in Small Claims Court across all five boroughs to conduct virtual mediations. Student mediators oversee the process from start to finish including: contacting parties, communicating with clients, coordinating scheduling, conducting the mediation, and drafting settlements when reached. There may be opportunities to handle disputes at the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission mediating cases involving workplace discrimination and harassment.
Student mediators also serve as educators and trainers. For over 10 years, the mediation clinic has presented at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. Student mediators have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned by providing training for diplomats from around the globe and for judges who are preparing for New York State’s new presumptive alternative dispute resolution initiative Previous trainings have included: mental health and conflict resolution, empowering women in the negotiation process, and a variety of mediation skills trainings
Instructor: Alexandra Carter, Clinical Professor of Law
Experiential Credits: 7 credits (3 for seminar; 4 for fieldwork)
Available in: Spring 2025
Information for Student Applicants
Students begin their time in the clinic with a two-week basic skills training. This amounts to at least 24 hours of lecture, roleplays, coaching, and discussion that prepares students to mediate real-life cases. Students continue honing their skills throughout the semester during class and are assisted by a coach throughout the semester in the field. By the end of the semester, students are eligible as certified mediators in New York state.
Student mediators are accompanied by Professor Carter or an advanced clinic student who acts as a coach and resource in all mediations. Further, students mediate in pairs, allowing them to support one another during mediations and throughout the semester.
Each student goes to the Bronx Superior Court once a week to mediate cases in person. Students also develop small claims cases that are conducted virtually. Students will typically mediate a few cases per week depending on client availability and interest. Additionally, students attend a seminar once a week to continue developing their skills and submit journal reflections about their cases to be discussed during class. Halfway through the semester, students participate in a recorded simulation to get personalized feedback from Professor Carter. There are also opportunities a few times each semester to go to the United Nations headquarters to train delegates from across the globe.
