Preparing for Mediation Guides

These guides for Preparing for Mediation are designed to help parties plan to participate in mediation to make it as productive as possible.  Lawyers, mediators, courts, mediation programs, and others may suggest that parties read one of these guides before participating in a mediation.

Resources for Developing and Conducting Mediation Week Programs in your Geographic Area

• Mediation Week Letter - This letter from the leadership of the Section of Dispute Resolution to Leaders in the field
• PowerPoint - Presentation highlights key points that explain the process and benefits of mediation
• Sample PowerPoint - PowerPoint can be modified to fit individual presentation
• Sample Proclamation
• ABA Mediation Week Banner  - for use on emails
• Sample Marketing Flyer - for use to advertise your event

Training Exercise for K-12 and College Students

• The Words Work curriculum teaches middle-school aged youth leadership, relationship, and communication skills.
• Lawyer as Problem Solver Exercises - role plays and simulations for high school, college and graduate students to develop the perspective of the mediator and lawyer as problem solver.

Professional Conduct Resources and Handouts

• Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators
• Reporter's Notes
• Model Rules of Professional Conduct
• Code of Ethics for Arbitration in Commercial Disputes
• Ethical Guidelines for Settlement Negotiations
  
  

Mediation Ethics Opinions

• National clearinghouse for mediator ethics opinions - Whether you are looking for mediation ethics opinions in a specific jurisdiction or analysis of an ethical standard, this online resource provides opinions from 43 states to help mediators make smart choices in their practice.  The database contains a short summary of each opinion with a hyperlink to the original opinion or document issued by the state or national body. 
• Committee on Mediator Ethical Guidance – Advisory responses based on the Model Standards of Conduct to requests for ethical guidance.