Frequently Asked Questions
Who takes the training?
All of the trainings have a mix of law students and people from many different professional backgrounds. Anyone who is interested in mediation is welcome. In the past, educators, social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, human resources professionals, small business owners and managers have benefited from this training. Some of the participants have a legal background.
How do I know if this is the right training for me?
UNM Mediation trainings emphasize interpersonal communication skills in a problem-solving context. Instructors do not teach specific techniques of settlement facilitation in adversary litigation, although mediation skills are an important aid in that process.
What about continuing education credit?
For legal professionals, the trainings qualify for New Mexico MCLE credits, including ethics/professionalism credits. The workshop fee includes the reporting cost for NMMCLE credits; UNM School of Law will report these credits for legal professionals. Not all courses have additional hours available. Other professionals and out-of-state attorneys are encouraged to contact their continuing education office and check to confirm CEU availability. Other professionals have obtained CEUs for mediation trainings in the past, but they must double-check with their individual licensing boards.
What does it cost?
The course fee of $1195 is due before the start of the training. Payment can be made with credit card (Visa or MasterCard). Class size is limited.
What about refunds?
Participant Cancellation
If you cancel your registration for a live course more than two weeks prior to the start of a program, your entire tuition will be refunded, less a $50 processing fee. If you cancel your registration within two weeks of the start of the program, no refunds will be given, unless UNM School of Law is able to fill the slot (at UNM School of Law’s discretion), in which case your entire tuition will be refunded, less a $50 processing fee.
What kind of materials will I receive?
All course materials are included in the cost of the registration. UNM law students may purchase their texts online. A limited number of books may be available at the UNM Legal Bookstore.
What documentation will I receive upon completion of the course?
Upon completion of the program, participants receive a document from the University of New Mexico School of Law stating that they have successfully completed 40 hours of training in general mediation or family mediation, depending upon the course taken.
What do I need to bring?
Students are encouraged to bring a notepad and pen for taking notes, and a mug for coffee/tea to reduce waste. Dress informally, comfortably and flexibly; the heating and cooling system is unpredictable, so be prepared to add/subtract clothing for personal comfort. Light snacks, fruit, coffee and tea will be provided. Students are encouraged to bring additional snacks or a sack lunch as the days are long and require a high level of energy. Vending machines for snacks and sodas are also available.
Are there any scholarships available?
In the past, modest, partial scholarships have been available to one or two people in the amount of $100 to $200 each. Participants interested in a scholarship should complete the following:
- Email a short letter to Sue George (sgeorge2@law.unm.edu) to inquire about the availability of scholarships.
What are the advantages of taking your training?
- The UNM School of Law’s mediation training program uses skilled instructors, talented coaches and a practical approach. Instructors are experienced practitioners with more than 20 years of combined mediation work in a wide variety of disputes. The training is based on practical, real-life situations. The program uses extensive role-play sessions for participants to integrate mediation skills with their personal styles. Additional experienced practitioners assist as coaches to observe each simulation group. They provide immediate feedback on performance and constructive suggestions for successful mediation techniques;
- The UNM School of Law has developed a highly successful interactive format for its training programs. This format provides full opportunity to integrate concepts and skills through a combination of exercises, small group discussions, demonstrations and lectures. A team-teaching approach and multiple methods of presentation address participants' individual learning styles;
- These mediation courses have consistently received the highest ratings by practicing attorneys, judges, psychologists and social workers who have attended the training.
May I register for both Mediation and Family Mediation at the same time?
Family mediation is offered once a year during the spring semester. If you are planning on taking Mediation the same semester, you may register for both, but you will be asked for an authorization code to register for Family mediation; it will only be given after having registered first for Mediation. Please contact Cheryl Burbank, Administrative Support, via email at burbank@law.unm.edu or phone at 505-277-0609 to receive the code.
