PSLEGRET7030 - Mediation for Non-Lawyers
Professional Certification Training Program
Are you ready to become a skilled conflict resolver and make a meaningful impact in your community? Our comprehensive Mediation for Non- Lawyers program provides the knowledge, skills, and credentials you need to launch or advance your career in alternative dispute resolution.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This intensive 10- week online certification program delivers 40 contact hours of expert training using the ABC Method of conflict resolution. Whether you're a paralegal, HR professional, manager, community advocate, or simply passionate about helping others resolve disputes, this program provides the foundation for professional mediation practice.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
• Master the ABC Method: Awareness, Behavioral, and Collaborative stages of mediation
• Understand core legal principles including voluntariness, confidentiality, and neutrality
• Develop essential skills: active listening, reframing, caucus management, and option generation
• Navigate ethical dilemmas and maintain professional standards
• Recognize and address power dynamics and cultural competence in mediation
• Draft enforceable settlement agreements
• Distinguish between facilitative, evaluative, and transformative mediation models
• Handle workplace conflicts, family disputes, community disagreements, and more
• Prepare for national and state mediation certification requirements
FLEXIBLE LEARNING FORMAT
Our hybrid online format combines the best of live instruction with flexible independent study:
• 2 hours per week: Live interactive Zoom sessions with experienced mediators
• 2 hours per week: Self- paced learning including videos, readings, case studies, and practice exercises
• Real- world simulations and role- play scenarios
Our hybrid online format combines the best of live instruction with flexible independent study:
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue opportunities in:
• Community mediation centers
• Court- annexed mediation programs
• Private mediation practice
• Human resources departments
• Legal offices and law firms
• Nonprofit organizations
• Government agencies
• Educational institutions
After completing the core program, students may enroll in self-paced 24-hour Specialist Mediation courses that allow them to deepen expertise in targeted sectors. Each specialist course maintains a strong emphasis on advanced, field-specific role-play and real-world application.
Approved for 40 SHRM recertification PDC's.
Course Details
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
• Master the ABC Method: Awareness, Behavioral, and Collaborative stages of mediation
• Understand core legal principles including voluntariness, confidentiality, and neutrality
• Develop essential skills: active listening, reframing, caucus management, and option generation
• Navigate ethical dilemmas and maintain professional standards
• Recognize and address power dynamics and cultural competence in mediation
• Draft enforceable settlement agreements
• Distinguish between facilitative, evaluative, and transformative mediation models
• Handle workplace conflicts, family disputes, community disagreements, and more
• Prepare for national and state mediation certification requirements
- Paralegals seeking to expand their professional services
- Human resources professionals handling workplace conflicts
- Managers and supervisors building team resolution skills
- Community leaders and nonprofit professionals
- Career changers interested in meaningful conflict resolution work-
- Anyone seeking certification as a professional mediator
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance information can be found on Rice Financial Aid's Visiting and Continuing Education Students page.
The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) for Mediation for Non-Lawyers is $4,045. This includes the tuition ($3,750) and the cost of books ($295).
Registrations are considered final as of 10 working days before class starts. No refunds will be issued after these dates and credits will not be given for future classes. No refunds will be granted for participants who miss a portion of a program. Refund requests before the deadline are subject to a 10% processing fee of the full published price and must be made in writing to gscs@rice.edu. If books have been issued, the cost of the books and any shipping fees will be deducted. Refunds for credit card payments will be processed as credits to the accounts from which they were paid and may not appear as a credit until the following statement. Refunds for enrollments paid by check take up to four weeks to be processed and mailed by the Rice University accounting office. There is a $30 charge for any check returned for insufficient funds. Internal Rice University payments (FBDI) will be treated as all other registration payment transactions, and the refund policy for each program/course will apply.
An individual may be able to claim a tax deduction or a tax credit for the cost of attending this continuing education program. However, we do not issue 1098-Ts. Non-academic credit programs such as continuing education courses do not require a 1098-T per IRS guidelines. Please keep a copy of your receipt and consult with your tax advisor about whether your payment meets the regulations that apply to tax deductions and tax credits. The University’s Federal Tax ID Number is 74-1109620.
Students will use the comprehensive eBook "Mediation for Non- Lawyers: The ABC Method of Conflict Resolution" by Daniel R. Barber, which includes:
• 10 detailed chapters covering all aspects of mediation practice, and assisting in the arbitration process.
• Practical skills online corresponding study support with exercises, podcasts, and self- assessments
• Model documents, forms, and templates
• Case studies and real- world scenarios
• Embedded online study support for enhanced learning
Purchase your materials here.
Course Outline
o Stages of mediation and arbitrationo Role of the neutral vs. the advocate
o Ethical standards and confidentiality
o Skills development: listening, reframing, caucus management, drafting settlement agreements
o Mock mediations and arbitrations