Mediator Mentorship
Supporting the Next Generation of Mediators
I believe that those of us who have had the opportunity to build an established mediation practice have a responsibility to contribute to the development of the profession and, where we can, to help those who are beginning to find their way in it.
For that reason, I make a limited number of mentorship opportunities available to newer and developing mediators at no cost.
My approach to mentorship is primarily practical. Mediation courses provide an important foundation, but there is also a great deal about this work that can only be learned by seeing experienced mediators work with real parties, real counsel and real disputes.
Shadowing Mediations
Where appropriate, mentees may have an opportunity to shadow me during mediations conducted through Patey Mediations.
This provides an opportunity to observe the mediation process as it actually unfolds: opening discussions, private caucuses, the exchange of offers, difficult conversations, impasse and, sometimes, the gradual movement that ultimately produces a resolution.
Shadowing is always subject to the prior agreement of counsel and the parties and to the same strict confidentiality obligations that govern the mediation itself. The interests and comfort of the parties will always come first.
Debriefing
An important part of the experience is what happens afterwards.
Where time permits, I am happy to debrief with the mentee about what occurred during the mediation: what worked, what did not, why I approached a particular room or issue in a particular way, and what other approaches might have been available.
There is rarely one correct way to mediate a dispute. My objective is not to teach someone to mediate exactly as I do, but to give developing mediators an opportunity to observe one approach, ask questions about it and gradually develop an approach that is authentic to them.
Building a Mediation Practice
I am also happy to share what I have learned about the practical side of establishing a mediation practice.
That can include developing a professional profile and brand, building relationships within the legal community, communicating with counsel, establishing credibility and finding a place in an increasingly competitive mediation market.
These are subjects that receive relatively little attention in formal mediation training but can be enormously important to someone trying to turn mediation training into an actual mediation practice.
A Limited Commitment
This is not a course or certification program, and there is no fee.
It is simply an opportunity for me to give something back to a profession that has been very good to me.
Because I want the experience to remain personal and meaningful, I can only mentor a small number of people at any particular time. Priority will generally be given to newer mediators who are genuinely committed to developing a mediation practice and who I believe would benefit from the opportunity to observe and discuss the work.
If you are a developing mediator and would be interested in mentorship or an opportunity to shadow a mediation, I would be pleased to hear from you.
Repeat referral firms or institutions may inquire about preferred fee arrangements.
To book a mediation:
Contact Dan van der Burg at dan@pateymediations.com or call 416-779-2915
Or visit: www.pateymediations.com/calendar