Mediation is one of the popular forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). It is the process by which individuals representing the disputing parties come together collectively, aiming to rectify the issue without any emotional investment in the matter or bias toward the parties or the issue. Having representatives stand up for your case is highly effective in seeing the matters objectively and fairly. This way the conclusion reached is to be one based on facts and the evidence brought forward. The mediators, as the primary representatives of the decision makers, thus are a popular option for various cases and fields including civil matters and business affairs. In this article we discuss how people come to work at a mediation centre as part of the mediation table; the steps they took to achieve this goal.
Law Degree Or None
Mediation can be accomplished with or without a law degree. However, a generous understanding of the law, its jurisdiction and legislature is a priority because you act as an extension of the law and the legal bodies that represent it when you go into mediation. Many apply for Legal Matters programs to gain the extensive knowledge required. This is not an easy route for all, though. Despite not being a lawyer by title, the knowledge acquired is extensive and comes with depth. Without some knowledge on the laws and policies themselves, you will have very little chance of proceeding further as a mediator.
Choosing Your Field
As mentioned previously there are different fields to pick from to align with your interests and passions. Many mediators are found in the commercial or business sectors where they handle contractual disputes or firm disagreements– any kind of head-butting that may occur in the business sector. Others, however, prefer to work in familial cases and civil cases. For instance, when it comes to adoption scenarios, divorces or separations, they step in as representatives of the families and bodies involved and find ways of navigating the situations in a way that accomplishes a beneficial outcome. They find methods of amicable divorce or separation, and how custody will be accomplished: will it be joint or given to one guardian etc.
Because of the emotional component of the subject matters like divorce and separation, and custody battles, mediators are most likely well-suited as they act without the emotional factor or hinder their thinking. Health care is another sector that some enter, when malpractice or other is reported by the patient or patient’s family against the medic or their facilities.
The Role
As a mediator you are not the sole decision-maker. If anything, you are simply a voice of reason that beckons to reason with the parties in dispute. You are their representation and assist parties exchange information to better confirm an outcome. You help the parties define their conclusion, however they see it.