Product Description

MCLE is pleased to present this four-day, thirty-hour Workshop designed specifically for training 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, guardian ad litems, parenting coordinators, 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 in-person Workshop trains mediators in divorce, custody and parenting plans, support, paternity, and other family law matters. It enables you to serve as a family law mediator in compliance with state requirements.

Special focus

The emphasis is on interactive participation in a facilitative mediation model 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 issues that arise in family law disputes addressed by mediation.

Registration notes

• Space is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. 
• Cancel by the end of the business day prior to the first day of the workshop and we’ll refund your tuition minus a $100 processing fee.
• This limited-enrollment program is not included in the MCLE OnlinePass.

Agenda & Materials

• Day 1: Monday, February 23, 2026, 8:30am - 5:00pm
• 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
  Devlin T. Farmer, Esq., , Northampton
  Sonja Starins, Esq., Sheehan, Schiavoni, Jutras & Magliocchetti, LLP , Haverhill
  Ellen R. Waldorf, Esq., eWaldorf Mediation , Newton Upper Falls
  
• 9:30am - 10:15am

  Introduction to Mediation

  Sonja Starins, Esq., Sheehan, Schiavoni, Jutras & Magliocchetti, LLP , Haverhill
  
• 10:15am - 10:30am

  Break
• 10:30am - 11:00am

  Demonstration and Discussion

  Devlin T. Farmer, Esq., , Northampton
  Sonja Starins, Esq., Sheehan, Schiavoni, Jutras & Magliocchetti, LLP , Haverhill
  Ellen R. Waldorf, Esq., eWaldorf Mediation , Newton Upper Falls
  
• 11:00am - 12:00pm

  Basic Mediation Skills

  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

  Devlin T. Farmer, Esq., , Northampton
  Sonja Starins, Esq., Sheehan, Schiavoni, Jutras & Magliocchetti, LLP , Haverhill
  Ellen R. Waldorf, Esq., eWaldorf Mediation , Newton Upper Falls
  
• 2:15pm - 2:30pm

  Break
• 2:30pm - 3:00pm

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

  Devlin T. Farmer, Esq., , Northampton
  
• 3:00pm - 4:30pm

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

  Group Debrief and Q&A
• Day 2: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 8:30am - 5:00pm
• 8:30am - 9:00am

  Introduction

  Alexander D. Jones, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP , Needham
  
• 9:00am - 10:00am

  Impact of Divorce on Kids – What Kids Need

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

  Barbara L. Nason, Esq., Tracey, Roman & Ramos PC , Wellesley Hills
  Jonathan E. Fields, Esq., Fields and Dennis LLP , Wellesley
  Alexander D. Jones, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP , Needham
  
• 10:00am - 10:15am

  Break
• 10:15am - 10:45am

  Demonstration and Discussion

  Barbara L. Nason, Esq., Tracey, Roman & Ramos PC , Wellesley Hills
  Jonathan E. Fields, Esq., Fields and Dennis LLP , Wellesley
  Alexander D. Jones, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP , Needham
  
• 10:45am - 11:45am

  Role Plays in Break-Out Groups
• 11:45am - 12:00pm

  Debrief Morning Role Play
• 12:00pm - 1:00pm

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

  Panel Discussion - Common Child Issues in Mediation

  Barbara L. Nason, Esq., Tracey, Roman & Ramos PC , Wellesley Hills
  Jonathan E. Fields, Esq., Fields and Dennis LLP , Wellesley
  Alexander D. Jones, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP , Needham
  
• 2:15pm - 2:30pm

  Break
• 2:30pm - 3:00pm

  Demonstration and Discussion

  Barbara L. Nason, Esq., Tracey, Roman & Ramos PC , Wellesley Hills
  Jonathan E. Fields, Esq., Fields and Dennis LLP , Wellesley
  Alexander D. Jones, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP , Needham
  
• 3:00pm - 4:30pm

  Afternoon Role Plays in Break-Out Groups
• 4:30pm - 5:00pm

  Debrief Role Plays and Wrap-Up
• Day 3: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 8:30pm - 5:00pm
• 8:30am - 8:35am

  Introduction

  Kate Fanger, Esq., Kate Fanger Mediation , Belmont
  David A. Hoffman, Esq., Boston Law Collaborative LLC , Boston
  Pedro Spivakovsky-Gonzalez, , Boston
  
• 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

  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

  Standard 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

  Break
• 3:50pm - 4:50pm

  Diversity, Gender, and Cultural Issues in Mediation

  Pedro Spivakovsky-Gonzalez, , Boston
  
• 4:50pm - 5:00pm

  Review and Questions
• Day 4: Thursday, February 26, 2026, 8:30am - 3:30pm
• 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

  Jennifer SG Hawthorne Kelsey, Esq., Skylark Law & Mediation , Southborough
  
• 10:00am - 10:15am

  Fishbowl Exercise
• 10:15am - 12:30pm

  Agreement Writing: Purposes, Pitfalls, Good Practice

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

  Lunch - Guest Speakers

  Hon. Brian J. Dunn, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Timothy Linnehan, Esq., Trial Court/Administrative Office , Boston
  
• 1:30pm - 2:30pm

  Nuts and Bolts & Building Your Practice
• 2:30pm - 3:15pm

  Listening Deeply to Your Client
• 3:15pm - 3:30pm

  Post Training Resources

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

  Debrief and Questions

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

Fees

• $1,165.50 - MCLE Sponsor Member
• $971.25 - New Lawyer
• $971.25 - Pending Admittee
• $1,295.00 - All Others