Mediation and Arbitration Clinic
Clinic Information | Prerequisites | Required Classes | Time and Credits | Benefits
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Clinic Information
Students in the Mediation and Arbitration Clinic perform simulations and mediate actual cases in the county court and through the clinic. Recent mediation cases have included criminal misdemeanors, restraining orders, and employment disputes involving city workers. Students participate in an orientation class, which focuses on lawyering skills, mediation skills, and ethics.
In this one semester course, students learn mediation skills, perform mediation simulations and mediate actual cases in the county court and in the SLO. Students learn lawyering skills such as communication, negotiation, problem-solving and drafting documents.
Professor Jeff Hartje will teach and directly supervise the students.
Prerequisites
None, but Negotiation & Mediation, ADR and Legal Profession are highly recommended. A background in public interest law is not necessary, but is desirable.
Required Classes
Mediation/Arbitration students will meet once weekly for class. In addition, students will be required to attend a two-day orientation that will take place the week before classes begin. The orientation will include intensive training on lawyering skills, mediation skills, ethics, and SLO procedures. Because ethical considerations require that all supervisors must have assurance of your competence and familiarity with the office before assigning any cases to you, attendance at orientation is mandatory. The class will meet weekly thereafter on Wednesdays from 2:45 to 4:15.
Students are also required to mediate at the Denver Courthouse. Participants will appear at the courthouse on Tuesdays & Thursdays on a rotating basis; therefore, you should expect to have an opportunity to mediate at least once every three weeks.
Time & Credits
Because you will be handling matters for disputants and scheduling your time around mediation court dates, your involvement with the SLO Mediation/Arbitration Clinic is intensive. It requires your full concentration and professionalism. Students receive 5 semester credits for their work in the Mediation/Arbitration Clinic.
Benefits
The SLO offers students more than just exposure to a branch of law in preparation for a legal career; it is an opportunity to be a lawyer and work within a law firm under the guidance of experienced attorneys. In addition, you will participate in a pro bono activity that benefits the community as a whole.