Product Description

IN PERSON WORKSHOP

MCLE is pleased to present this four-day, thirty-hour Workshop designed specifically for mediators with knowledge of basic divorce law. Rule 8 of the Uniform Rules on Dispute Resolution provides system-wide standards for court-connected alternative dispute resolution services in Massachusetts.

Rule 8’s guidelines establish training, evaluation, mentoring, and continuing education requirements for mediators, among others. Who needs Rule 8 training? Mediators, arbitrators, case evaluators, conciliators, neutrals for mini-trials and summary jury trials, and dispute intervenors. Without the training, you can’t be on the list! 

What’s covered?

This Workshop trains mediators in divorce, custody, adoption, visitation, paternity, and other family law litigation. It enables you to serve as a family law mediator in compliance with state requirements.

Special focus

The emphasis is on interactive participation and “learning by doing.” The training blends theory and practice to enhance the performance of trainees. A variety of learning techniques cater to individual learning styles. Lecture and role-play sessions cover basic considerations in the types of disputes addressed by mediation. 

Registration Notes

Space is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. Cancellations may only be refunded, minus a $100 processing fee, if we are able to fill your seat.

Agenda & Materials

• Day 1: Monday, February 5, 2024
• 8:30am - 9:00am

  Welcome and Introduction

  Justin L. Kelsey, Esq., Skylark Law & Mediation, PC , Southborough
  
• 9:00am - 9:30am

  Introduction of Faculty, Seminar & Class

  Justin L. Kelsey, Esq., Skylark Law & Mediation, PC , Southborough
  Susie P. Moniz, Esq., Moniz Law & Mediation, P.C. , Salem
  Ellen R. Waldorf, Esq., eWaldorf Mediation , Newton Upper Falls
  
• 9:30am - 10:00am

  Introduction to Mediation

  What is Mediation; Principles of Mediation; Recognizing Forms or “Styles” of Mediation

  Justin L. Kelsey, Esq., Skylark Law & Mediation, PC , Southborough
  
• 10:00am - 10:30am

  Demonstration and Discussion

  (1 spouse does not want to divorce)

  Justin L. Kelsey, Esq., Skylark Law & Mediation, PC , Southborough
  Susie P. Moniz, Esq., Moniz Law & Mediation, P.C. , Salem
  Ellen R. Waldorf, Esq., eWaldorf Mediation , Newton Upper Falls
  
• 10:30am - 10:45am

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 10:45am - 12:00pm

  Basic Mediation Skills

  Connect with each client; Non-verbal behavior; Impartial behavior (neutrality); Open-ended questions; Positions and interests

  Ellen R. Waldorf, Esq., eWaldorf Mediation , Newton Upper Falls
  
• 12:00pm - 1:00pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 1:00pm - 2:15pm

  Fish Bowl and Debrief

  Justin L. Kelsey, Esq., Skylark Law & Mediation, PC , Southborough
  Susie P. Moniz, Esq., Moniz Law & Mediation, P.C. , Salem
  Ellen R. Waldorf, Esq., eWaldorf Mediation , Newton Upper Falls
  
• 2:15pm - 2:30pm

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 2:30pm - 3:00pm

  Reframing: The Art of Saying What No One Wants to Hear

  Justin L. Kelsey, Esq., Skylark Law & Mediation, PC , Southborough
  
• 3:00pm - 4:30pm

  Small Role Play Groups
• 4:30pm - 5:00pm

  Group Debrief and Q&A
• Day 2: Tuesday, February 6, 2024
• Mediation with Children’s Issues
• 8:30am - 9:00am

  Welcome and Introduction

  Alexander D. Jones, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP , Needham
  
• 9:00am - 11:00am

  Impact of Divorce on Kids

  Dr. Jessica P. Greenwald O'Brien, , Natick
  
• Comments:

  Jonathan E. Fields, Esq., Fields and Dennis LLP , Wellesley
  Alexander D. Jones, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP , Needham
  Barbara L. Nason, Esq., Tracey, Roman & Ramos PC , Wellesley Hills
  
• 11:00am - 11:15am

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 11:15am - 12:15am

  Role Plays in Break-out Groups
• 12:15pm - 12:30pm

  Debrief Morning Role Play
• 12:30am - 1:30pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 1:30pm - 2:30pm

  Panel Discussion -- Common Child Support Issues in Mediation of Children’s Issues

  Jonathan E. Fields, Esq., Fields and Dennis LLP , Wellesley
  Dr. Jessica P. Greenwald O'Brien, , Natick
  Alexander D. Jones, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP , Needham
  Barbara L. Nason, Esq., Tracey, Roman & Ramos PC , Wellesley Hills
  
• 2:30pm - 2:45pm

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 2:45pm - 4:15pm

  Afternoon Role Plays in Break-out Groups
• 4:15pm - 5:00pm

  Debrief Role Plays - Groups Reconvene; Q&A; Wrap-up
• Day 3: Wednesday, February 7, 2024
• 8:30am - 8:35am

  Welcome and Introduction

  David A. Hoffman, Esq., Boston Law Collaborative LLC , Boston
  Kate Fanger, Esq., Kate Fanger Mediation , Belmont
  Michele A. Keratsis, Esq., Boston Law Collaborative LLC , Gulfport
  
• 8:35am - 9:05am

  The Use of Caucusing in Mediation

  Kate Fanger, Esq., Kate Fanger Mediation , Belmont
  
• 9:05am - 9:45am

  How Can You Say That? The Mediator’s Toolbox

  Kate Fanger, Esq., Kate Fanger Mediation , Belmont
  
• 9:45am - 10:00am

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 10:00am - 12:00pm

  Role Play- Small Groups
• 12:00pm - 12:30pm

  Debrief Morning Role Play
• 12:30pm - 1:30pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 1:30pm - 2:15pm

  Legal and Ethical Issues in Mediation

  David A. Hoffman, Esq., Boston Law Collaborative LLC , Boston
  
• 2:15pm - 3:00pm

  Standards of Practice and Ethical Dilemmas

  David A. Hoffman, Esq., Boston Law Collaborative LLC , Boston
  
• 3:00pm - 3:45pm

  Psychological Issues in Family Mediation

  David A. Hoffman, Esq., Boston Law Collaborative LLC , Boston
  
• 3:45pm - 3:50pm

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 3:50pm - 4:50pm

  Diversity, Gender, and Cultural Issues in Mediation
• 4:50pm - 5:00pm

  Review and Questions
• Day 4: Thursday, February 8, 2024
• 8:30am - 8:45am

  Welcome and Introduction

  Justin L. Kelsey, Esq., Skylark Law & Mediation, PC , Southborough
  
• 8:45am - 10:00am

  Screening for Appropriateness of Mediation and Role Play

  How the principles of mediation inform your decisions about what is appropriate and what is a challenge; when and how to terminate; how intake can prevent problems in mediation

  Jennifer SG Hawthorne Kelsey, Esq., Skylark Law & Mediation , Southborough
  John A. Fiske, Esq., HealyFiske LLP , Waltham
  
• 10:00am - 10:15am

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 10:15am - 12:30pm

  Agreement Writing: Purposes, Pitfalls, Good Practice

  Be clear and concise; state the intentions of the parties understandably and enforceably

  Amanda Shuman, Esq., Kelly & Murstein Family Law , Wellesley Hills
  
• Fishbowl Exercise
• 12:30pm - 1:30pm

  Lunch - Guest Speakers over the lunch

  Who Are You Now? The Thirty Hours that Changed Your Life

  ,
  
• 1:30pm - 2:30pm

  Nuts and Bolts & Building Your Practice

  Justin L. Kelsey, Esq., Skylark Law & Mediation, PC , Southborough
  
• 2:30pm - 3:15pm

  Listening Deeply to Your Client

  David A. Kellem, Esq., David Kellem Law Group, PC , Hingham
  
• 3:15pm - 3:30pm

  Post Training Resources

  Justin L. Kelsey, Esq., Skylark Law & Mediation, PC , Southborough
  
• 3:30pm

  Debrief, Questions

Special Program Materials:

• Mediation: A Practice Guide for Mediators, Lawyers, and Other Professionals

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Chair

Faculty