The Supreme Court-approved pilot program utilizing court-approved mediators mandates that certain complex cases be sent to mediation. The program has been expanded to include ALL New Jersey counties EXCEPT for Atlantic, Cape May, Morris and Sussex. Pursuant to Court Rule 1:40-12, those individuals who have been trained in basic mediation skills and who meet other requirements will be placed on a court-approved list and selected to mediate these cases. After the first two free hours on each case, court-approved mediators will be able to set market-rate fees for their services.

What is required to become a court-approved mediator?
Eligibility for inclusion on the court’s civil mediator roster is determined by a subcommittee of the Supreme Court Committee on Complementary Dispute Resolution. Pursuant to Court Rule 1:40-12, all applicants must successfully complete a minimum of 18 hours in an approved mediation course. All applicants must be mentored by an experienced court roster mediator (who has been approved to serve as a mentor) for at least five hours in at least two Superior Court cases. Educational and experiential requirements are also necessary, as well as completion of an application form.

What do I have to do to meet the training requirements?
In just 4 days with NJICLE at the New Jersey Law Center, you can complete the basic training requirement. A distinguished panel of professionals highly experienced in mediation skills will lead you through a series of lectures, demonstrations, exercises, and role playing. You’ll gain the knowledge you need to effectively manage conflict, enhance your communication and negotiation skills, and learn strategies for dealing with the problems you are likely to encounter during the mediation process. You will also be required to attend four hours of continuing mediation-related training annually, commencing the year following your initial training.

How do I register?
If you are planning to attend, please register as soon as possible. Only eighty registrants will be accepted for the 4-day course. Once the maximum has been reached, no additional registrations will be accepted.

NOTE: To help make your learning experience more rewarding,
the speakers have requested that in preparation for the program, you read the following item:

GETTING TO YES: NEGOTIATING AGREEMENTS WITHOUT GIVING IN
by Roger Fisher, William Ury and Bruce Patton
Paperback (December, 1991) published by Penguin USA ($14.00)