Frequently Asked Questions
Some answers to frequently asked questions
Email us if you have other questions!Mediation Training Program
In collaboration with Washington metropolitan area mediation programs, CTL offers a 3-credit mediation training course for Georgetown University graduate students. This exciting hands-on program includes an interactive classroom component and practical mediation experience. Graduate students from a range of schools and programs including McCourt, SFS, GSAS, McDonough, and the Law Center have participated in this program.
“This is an invaluable experience which will set students apart in their future careers”
-MSFS Participant
About the Program
Participating students develop the skills needed to serve as a neutral mediator in collaborative dispute resolution. The hands-on group training component will focus on managing emotions, active listening, helping parties draft agreements, and mediator ethics. In the observation and practicum components, students will apply mediator skills to real-life scenarios.
Students participate in the following activities over the Spring 2025 semester (registration will take place in Fall 2024):
- Mediation Training: Over a 4-day classroom training (January 6-7 and 10-11) students will learn a four-step model of mediation and the skills necessary to support parties through the process.
- Mediation Observation: Students will observe mediations sessions on Fridays January 24 and 31, 2025, to learn from professional mediators.
- Mentored Co-Mediation: Students will be paired with mentors to co-mediate 3-5 sessions and put into practice skills learned at the training. These mediations may be held online or in a court setting. Mediations could take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Fridays and will be scheduled at times that do not conflict with other classes.
Participants must commit to participating in all three pieces of this training, including the mentored co-mediation experience. Students who complete this program may be eligible for mediation certification in the Virginia court system (please inquire if this is of interest).
What is mediation?
Mediation is a collaborative process for resolving disputes. Conflicting parties are assisted by a neutral third party (the mediator) in finding mutually agreeable solutions.
Who should apply?
Anyone interested in building practical skills needed to create a comfortable and confidential environment for parties in dispute to discuss contentious issues. By the end of the program, participants will have experience outlining issues at the heart of a given dispute, keeping conversations moving forward, and helping parties brainstorm possible solutions. Dispute resolution skills learned in this program can be used in any context from personal to professional. By the end of the program, all participants will be “trained mediators.” Those interested in completing requirements in the Virginia court system can become “certified mediators.”
Am I required to take this course for credit?
Yes. This program is a 3-credit course. If you are accepted to this course, please factor 3 credits into your registration plans for Spring 2025. Applications to take this course are required. Apply here by Monday, November 18 at 5:00 pm.
How can I use these skills outside of the court context?
Dispute resolution skills learned in this program can be used in any context from personal to professional. Whether you are planning to be a diplomat, policy advisor, or entrepreneur, this program will help you build essential active listening and consensus-building tools.
I’m specifically interested in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in the court system. Is this program for me?
Yes! For students specifically interested in ADR, this program includes in-court mentorship. Students must co-mediate 3-5 court sessions in the Spring 2025 semester.
What type of cases would I mediate in court?
- Typical issues: breach of contract and neighborhood disputes.
- Amount in dispute: $10,000 or less
- All cases will take place in Small Claims Court
Will I be a certified mediator upon completion of this program?
Mediation certification varies by state and/or district. Anyone who completes all 3 phases of this program may be eligible for certification to mediate in the Virginia court system (see below for certification requirements). If you plan to mediate elsewhere upon completion of your co-mediation experience, you may need to fulfill requirements specific to that jurisdiction. Please let us know if you have any questions about certification.
What are the requirements for mediation certification?
The following requirements should be completed within 6 months of the January classroom training but in special circumstances can be completed within 2 years.
Pre-requisite: Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent work experience (contact the Dispute Resolution Service at the Supreme Court of Virginia for more information – (804) 786-6455)
Training: Mediation Training at Georgetown
Mentorship:
- Observations
- One full day of mediation observation (2 cases), conducted by a mentor mediator.
- Co-mediations
- Must complete a total of at least 3 co-mediations and 5 hours, and act as the scrivener for at least one agreement.