Becoming an MWI Court Mediation Panel Mediator

MWI has opportunities for trained mediators to apply to join MWI’s Court Mediation Panel, where they can volunteer to co-mediate small claims cases online. Below is a step-by-step overview of the process for applying to become a panel member through this program. If you have any questions, please contact Clarice Parsons at courtmediation@mwi.org.

Step One: Complete a mediation training or refresher training with MWI

• MWI Court Mediation Panel members need to meet the training requirement of the Massachusetts Confidentiality Statute (MGL ch 233 sec 23C). To learn more and register for an MWI mediation training (offered on weekdays in May and October each year), visit MWI’s Mediation Training page: https://www.mwi.org/mediation-training
• If you have already received at least thirty hours of mediation training with another provider, you can still apply to join MWI’s panel after completing MWI’s Refresher Mediation Skills Workshop. More information about MWI’s Refresher Training can be found here: https://www.mwi.org/refresher

Step Two: Apply to be a mediator with MWI’s Court Mediation Program

• After you complete the training outlined above, please complete MWI’s Mediation Program Panel application found here – https://www.mwi.org/court-mediation-program-application. Applications will be reviewed by Court Mediation Program Manager, Clarice Parsons, in consultation with other MWI staff. MWI reserves the right to assess an applicant’s mediation skills by asking the applicant to demonstrate their mediation skills by an independent assessor. In most cases, applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application within 30 days of their submission.

Step Three: Complete onboarding process and review guides and training videos

• Assuming the applicant has met the criteria of this initial stage of the application process, you will receive a user log-in e-mail for using MWI’s online portal system. You will use the portal to access available cases and register for observation opportunities via Zoom or in-person. The portal provides videos and detailed instructions for how to schedule cases, coordinate with co-mediators and observers on the panel, and submit any agreements the parties may come to. Materials and references can be accessed using the resources tab on the portal system.

Step Four: Observe at least two mediations

• Every mediation offers different learning opportunities for new mediators. Generally, mediators should complete at least two observations before requesting the opportunity to co-mediate. Observations provide new mediators with opportunities to better understand core skills such as interactive listening, identifying interests, and remaining facilitative.

Step Five: Debrief your observation

• Over a debrief phone call with Clarice, you will discuss what you learned from your observations, what interests the parties shared, what the mediators did well, and what questions your observations raised for you. The goal of this debrief conversation is to ensure that you understand and can apply the core skills necessary to co-mediate on MWI’s panel, and it is an opportunity to clarify any challenges you observed. Clarice will also check in with you about your comfort level as a mediator and let you know about next steps, which would involve either co-mediating with an experienced mediator (see below) or pursuing additional training or mentoring if needed.

Step Six: Co-mediate at lease five cases

• After completing your observations and debrief forms, you will co-mediate at least five cases with an experienced mediator. Include a debrief for each co-mediation as well.

Step Seven: Complete a debrief conversation

• After completing and debriefing your first five co-mediations, Clarice will either approve your status as a panel member or suggest additional training or mentoring if you are interested in reapplying in the future.

Please send questions to Clarice Parsons at courtmediation@mwi.org. Thank you.