More contracts. More court orders. More cases settling at the mediation table. Like it or not, mediation is here to stay—and knowing how to use it can give your clients a critical edge. Mediation is a rapidly growing tool reshaping how disputes are resolved across the legal landscape. If you represent parties in a dispute, you’re likely to find yourself in mediation—sometimes by court order, sometimes by contract even before litigation begins. Oftentimes, it is the smartest path forward for your client.

In this 90-minute CLE, designed specifically for attorneys who are not mediators, you’ll learn how to navigate and leverage mediation to your client’s advantage. This program is designed to provide attorneys with a comprehensive understanding of mediation as a practical, effective, and client-centered approach to resolving disputes.

We’ll cover:

• The core principles of mediation, including party self-determination, confidentiality, and the mediator’s role as a neutral facilitator.
• Understanding and navigating STEP mediation clauses in agreements—what to do when one appears in your client’s contract.
• The evolving role of mediation, from pre-litigation strategy to mandatory court referrals.
• How to prepare your clients for mediation.
• A behind-the-scenes look at what really happens during mediation and how to use it to your advantage.
• Practical advocacy skills to protect client interests while finding resolution.