Mediation Clinic

SLN #: 15967
Course Prefix: LAW-775
Course Section: 001
Credit Hours: 6
Instructor(s): Hinshaw
Course Books: View List of Books

Course Description:
The Mediation Clinic provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about alternatives to litigation while gaining practical experience in the mediation process. The objectives of the Mediation Clinic include helping students develop a broad perspective of the role of law and lawyers in our society, a better understanding of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes, and enhanced skills in communication, negotiation and problem-solving.

The instructors use an interdisciplinary approach, and a limited number of graduate students from disciplines outside the law school will be allowed to enroll each semester. Students should expect to spend, on average, 4-5 hours per week on out-of-class assignments, primarily serving as a co-mediator in a local Justice Court, observing professional mediations, or participating in other dispute resolution programs on and off campus. To schedule these out-of-class assignments, students must have at least 2 four-hour blocks of free time during business hours - full mornings (8 AM-noon) or full afternoons (1-5 PM) - excluding Friday afternoons. It is highly recommended to have at least one block of time during morning hours.

In addition to regular class meetings, there will be three training sessions scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 9am - 5pm; and Friday January 16, 9am - 5pm, and Saturday January 24, 9am – 5pm. Attendance is mandatory for all classes and the skills workshops. There will be no final examination, but students will be asked to write reflective essays following each out-of-class experience and will make a presentation to the entire class. The Mediation Clinic will count toward the 66 credit requirement for Order of the Coif. Additionally, students must pass a background check before being allowed to mediate in the Justice Court Mediation Program.

NOTE: Students interested in taking the course must submit a one page statement of intent and meet with Professor Hinshaw prior to being permitted to enroll. The statement of intent is due to Suzanne Lynn in Room 265 by November 7th and should explain why the student is interested in enrolling in the Mediation Clinic. The meetings with Professor Hinshaw will take place November 12th, 13th, and 14th.

Additional Information:
Credit Hours: 6
Graduation Writing Requirement: No
Flexible/Upper-Level Writing Requirement: No
Skills Requirement: Yes
Simulation Course: No
Experiential Learning: No
Seminar: No
Special Withdrawal Course: No
Attendance Policy: Per Statement Of Student Policies

* The law school has a policy that is used to calculate credit hours. Please see the Statement of Student Policies.