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Mediation skills for mediators and lawyers

  • 3 hrs
  • 3 CPD Points
  • 19/03/2025 - 19/03/2025
  • Interactive
  • Start from $297.00
  • WA0307_PSK1

Mediation skills for mediators and lawyers

Date & time: 19 March 2025, 1.30pm to 5.00pm AEDT

Today, most civil disputes are settled before the final hearing and involve at least one attempt at dispute resolution, commonly mediation or conciliation. So, it is vital for all practitioners to have at their disposal the facilitative skills necessary to navigate the mediation process effectively and find the most efficient pathway to a resolution between the parties.

Whether you are an accredited mediator or a lawyer in private practice, or both, you can gain essential skills to find acceptable and fair solutions to parties’ complex problems with our skill-based workshop.

This skills-based workshop is ideal for:

  • Accredited mediators and family dispute resolution practitioners looking to refresh and refine their skills;
  • Lawyers in private practice looking to get better outcomes from the alternative dispute resolution process; and
  • Lawyers interested in learning more about becoming an accredited mediator.

Facilitated by: 

Linda Kochanski LLB, Nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS), FDRP Practice Leader, Dispute Resolution, The College of Law

Feedback from past attendees: 

  • “Very informative for my first time.”
  • “Linda is a champion. Love her. All presenting and knowledge. Great refresher.”
  • “Linda is a wonderful teacher. She presents mediation with authority.”
  • “Delivery was both excellent and passionate.”
  • “Excellent presentation… honestly so helpful to my practice.”

Please note: This workshop is not accredited mediator training and cannot be counted towards such training. You can register for one of our upcoming accredited mediation training courses here. 

At the end of this live webinar, you will earn 3 CPD points.

Course Outline

1.30pm: Login and welcome

1.35pm: Mediation theory refresher

  • Overview of the models
  • How mediation works within dispute resolution
  • Understanding the mediator’s role

2.05pm: Mediation skills – the facilitative approach

  • Preparation and guiding parties and clients through the dispute resolution process
  • Working effectively with parties and clients in dispute resolution
  • Understanding the competing mindsets and psychology
  • Negotiating effectively and working towards outcomes

3.05pm: Break

3.15pm: Practical exercises

  • Skill building exercises
  • Role play scenarios

4.15pm: Break

4.25pm: Debriefing and discussion 

5.00pm: Close

This webinar is ideal for solicitors in general practice, civil litigation lawyers, family lawyers, commercial and property lawyers, accredited mediators and family dispute resolution practitioners.

This webinar is produced in NSW and features a QLD based practitioner. This webinar is available to practitioners from all Australian jurisdictions.

Professional Skills - 1.5 points

Substantive Law - 1.5 points

If you intend to claim CPD units for this educational activity, please note that CPD activities are not accredited by the Law Society of NSW or any other equivalent local authority, with the exception of Western Australia. If you hold a practising certificate in a state or territory other than Western Australia and this educational activity extends your knowledge and skills in areas that are relevant to your practice needs or professional development, then you should claim one (1) "unit” for each hour of attendance, refreshment breaks not included. The annual requirement is ten (10) CPD units each year from 1 April to 31 March. Some practitioners, such as accredited specialists are required to complete more than ten (10) units each CPD year.

Practitioners holding WA practising certificates are eligible to earn CPD points for this course. For instructions to ear CPD points, please click here.

Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT)

Linda Kochanski

LLB, Nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS), FDRP Practice Leader, Dispute Resolution, The College of Law

Linda Kochanski was admitted as a Solicitor in Queensland, initially specialising in Family and Criminal Law. She gained extensive experience in various areas of law but discovered a particular interest in family law and mediation.

Linda subsequently worked for Relationships Australia in various roles including Branch Manager, Coordinator of Mediation and Senior Consultant in Mediation. She has practised in all forms of relationship mediation. Linda continues to practice mediation as a private practitioner specialising in relationship mediation.

Linda has been a Tutor and Lecturer since 1991 working initially as a tutor with QUT. Linda has worked as a Lecturer in Professional Legal Education for Griffith and Bond Universities as well as holding the position of Co Director Bond University Dispute Resolution Centre. She has also positions with the Australian Mediation Association and the University of Southern Queensland.

She is presently a Director on the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards Board and a Co Director of Global Training and Professional Development Ltd. Linda has presented at national and international conferences on Mediation and Family Law and has published in these areas as well and has received industry awards for her work as a FDRP and DR Academic.

Linda is the current Practice Leader at The College of Law for both their Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution Practice and their suite of mediation programs.

Please be aware that this webinar organised by the College of Law for use on our website, marketing materials and publications. By attending and participating in a College of Law Continuing Professional Development course, you consent to the College of Law photographing or recording and using your image and likeness and/or voice.

Excellent workshop, appreciated the wealth of knowledge and experience.

Past Attendee

Highly relevant material and a great training overall.

Past Attendee

Presenter was exceptional, well informed and engaging. The course was well presented. Use of case studies and scenarios helped explain the content.

Past Attendee

Content and case law were relevant and up to date, great format and well-paced delivery.

Past Attendee

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