Forge a career as a mediator

Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms have never been of greater importance than they are at present. Within the last five years, mediation and access to qualified mediators have become an increasingly important, flexible method of resolving various disputes in the absence of court proceedings.

Mediation is a process where two or more parties try to resolve conflicts with the assistance of a neutral third party (the mediator). The mediator helps the parties agree on a solution without one of the parties having to go to court. It can foster a resolution through negotiation rather than confrontation. Mediation can create resolutions which last and promote well-being and happiness.

The process of mediation is voluntary, where all parties must want to mediate. It has to be impartial, where the mediator does not take sides and is always there for all parties involved. The mediator listens to all sides, asks questions, encourages dialogue, and tries to understand the parties’ respective views and needs in order to help all parties reach an agreement. Through the process of mediation, they can also help preserve relationships, which is crucial in resolving conflicts. In addition, mediators can also help reach compromises that are satisfactory to all parties involved. In this way, they can create a long-term situation that leads to a more permanent solution to the conflict.

Why become a mediator?

Becoming a mediator is one of the many ways to help people and businesses resolve conflicts and bring value to society in various circumstances, whether a formal legal dispute or a dispute between work colleagues or between members or volunteers of a club, society, or other body. As a mediator, you can improve communication between people, helping to clear up disputes and misunderstandings. In addition, working as a mediator offers the opportunity to develop professionally and gain a wide range of highly sought-after skills you can use professionally and personally.

There are many career opportunities as qualified mediators with work in many different areas, including family disputes, employment disputes, neighbourhood disputes, conflict resolution, employer-to-employee negotiations, business-to-business negotiations, consumer-to-business disputes, student-to-university disputes, social conflicts, international conflicts, and more. People who work in various roles such as HR, business operations, communications, change management, finance, advocacy, and trade union officials have benefited from being a qualified mediator.

Why is mediation a great form of alternative dispute resolution?

Alternative dispute resolution is an effective way to resolve conflicts. Control is the most critical benefit of using mediation to resolve a dispute. People in dispute often feel like they are losing control of important parts of their lives, their workplace, family life, and finances. It is quick, inexpensive, and provides parties with an excellent opportunity to resolve their issues in a safe and fair manner. It is also a perfect way to improve the relationship between the parties, as the parties agree on a settlement and do not have to wait for a judge to decide.

It can also allow for better communication and building a support network among various stakeholders. It also provides a way to resolve disputes constructively and by mutual agreement. Subsequently, alternative dispute resolution can contribute to a better understanding of the parties’ respective interests, which are often suppressed during litigation.

What are the essential skills of a mediator?

To be successful as a mediator, it is important to have a strong understanding of complex conflict situations. A mediator must be able to analyse situations objectively and impartially, identify problems and develop constructive solutions. Good empathy is also an advantage to support and advise the parties in a conflict situation. A mediator should also have good communication and interpersonal skills to lead the parties to an agreement. Mediators do not provide advice; they guide parties on legal principles and what all parties should think about. Mediators must remain confidential in their work, and above all, the mediator does not make any decisions; the parties work out the resolution they take forward.

As a mediator, your job is to intervene in and resolve conflict situations as a neutral party. You should try to encourage the parties to communicate constructively with each other in order to reach an effective and lasting solution. You should also try to create an atmosphere where all sides feel comfortable and willing to share their opinions and ideas.

How does one become a mediator?

To become a mediator, one must complete a training course. This can be completed at various institutions and usually includes theory and practice. The training varies depending on the provider and can be done online or in-person. In addition, specific requirements must be met in order to be recognised as a mediator. These usually include a university degree, a certain level of professional experience, and proof of participation in mediator training.

Why train as a mediator at King’s Inns?

King’s Inns is renowned for professional legal education and training. Since 1541, it has been training people to become barristers, a vital role in the administration of justice. Barristers, who are advocates for their clients, require the appropriate legal knowledge, legal skills, professional competencies, and personal attributes, acting with independence and integrity.

In addition to training barristers, King’s Inns also runs a wide range of advanced diploma courses for both lawyers and non-lawyers. Focusing on a range of legal knowledge and skills areas, these professional development courses at King’s Inns are designed and delivered by lawyers who are subject matter experts, with input from members of the judiciary, and other appropriate experts.

How is the course delivered?

Coordinated by barristers and accredited mediators Cathrina Keville and Teresa Blake, the highly rated mediation course at King’s Inns equips professionals with the practical skills required to act as a mediator in a range of circumstances.

Accredited by King’s Inns, as well as the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (the MII), the advanced diploma covers key mediation topics, including conflict, process phases of mediation, communication and negotiation skills, ethical principles of mediation, and online mediation.

Open to lawyers and non-legal professionals, this course is delivered through six in-person teaching days, whereby workshops are delivered in small group training sessions. This is delivered alongside a combination of online learning and self-study. The course takes place twice per academic year over a space of two to three months, including the recorded roleplay assessment, during which students can showcase the skills they have learned.

“A good mediator will have a sound understanding of the mediation process as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills,” says Eimear Brown, Dean of School of Law at King’s Inns. “King’s Inns prides itself on the quality of its education and training, and our advanced diploma in mediation course combines high-quality course materials – including online lectures by leading experts in the field – with a high level of in-person contact hours in which participants have the opportunity to work through a range of practical scenarios, guided by our experienced teaching team. We believe that this interactive, small group approach is the best way to acquire the skills of a competent mediator.”

In-person attendance over the six workshop days is compulsory as these sessions are designed to practise and hone skills, provide feedback, and develop participants to be able to practise as professional mediators in a range of settings.

Applications for this course are taken throughout the year. More information can be found on the King’s Inns website at www.kingsinns.ie/mediation

King’s Inns
Henrietta Street, Dublin 1
Ireland DO1 KF59
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