As law is practiced today, attorneys are generally far more likely to participate in more mediations than trials. Mediation offers parties a consensual, confidential, and facilitated process through which agreement can be reached at any stage of the dispute. This course offers an initial immersion into the fundamentals of mediation and mediation advocacy. The course goals are to understand the nature of conflict and principles of conflict management; to develop the oral and written communication skills essential to effective mediation; to evaluate various mediation models and mediator styles; to practice all phases of mediation and the appropriate use of caucusing; to consider policy and ethical implications; to explore dispute design considerations and the deeper dimensions of conflict resolution; and to develop the skills necessary to mediate and represent clients in mediation. The class methodology is highly experiential, with more than half of the class consisting of practice from the perspective of mediator, advocate, and client. The course also includes readings and discussions, brief interactive lectures, and demonstrations. Each student receives individual feedback from the Instructor or another experienced mediator. You are encouraged to apply if you have taken (or are concurrently taking) the basic negotiation class or its equivalent in studies or experience. Elements used in grading: Class participation, attendance at all classes, and assignments. In addition to the regular class schedule, the class will meet during one Saturday, from 9:LAW 00 a.m. to 4:LAW 00 p.m., for coached simulations. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete a Consent Application Form available at SLS Registrar https://registrar.law.stanford.edu/. Click SUNetID Login in the top right corner of the page and then click the "Consent Courses" tab. See Consent Application Form for instructions and submission deadline.
3 units · Law Mandatory P/R/F
As law is practiced today, attorneys are generally far more likely to participate in more mediations than trials. Mediation offers parties a consensual, confidential, and facilitated process through which agreement can be reached at any stage of the dispute. This course offers an initial immersion into the fundamentals of mediation and mediation advocacy. The course goals are to understand the nature of conflict and principles of conflict management; to develop the oral and written communication skills essential to effective mediation; to evaluate various mediation models and mediator styles; to practice all phases of mediation and the appropriate use of caucusing; to consider policy and ethical implications; to explore dispute design considerations and the deeper dimensions of conflict resolution; and to develop the skills necessary to mediate and represent clients in mediation. The class methodology is highly experiential, with more than half of the class consisting of practice from the perspective of mediator, advocate, and client. The course also includes readings and discussions, brief interactive lectures, and demonstrations. Each student receives individual feedback from the Instructor or another experienced mediator. You are encouraged to apply if you have taken (or are concurrently taking) the basic negotiation class or its equivalent in studies or experience. Elements used in grading: Class participation, attendance at all classes, and assignments. In addition to the regular class schedule, the class will meet during one Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for coached simulations. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete a Consent Application Form available at SLS Registrar https://registrar.law.stanford.edu/. Click SUNetID Login in the top right corner of the page and then click the "Consent Courses" tab. See Consent Application Form for instructions and submission deadline.
Offered in Spring 2026 at Stanford University.