Students in the Mediation Clinic have the opportunity to learn and observe mediation in a classroom as well as conduct in-person and virtual mediations. Students are assigned readings in mediation and related lawyering skills areas. Following an intensive four-day virtual training session held at the beginning of the semester, including simulated mediation exercises, clinic students conduct actual mediations. They also have the opportunity to observe mediations in a variety of venues. Students must complete journals in their mediations, have regular individual sessions, participate in simulations (in class and recorded outside of class), and meet weekly as a group. Grades are based on student performance in simulations and in actual mediations, the quality of the journal entries, class participation and on a written take-home final exam. Students should expect to spend a minimum of 16 hours per week on clinic work.

This clinical course begins with a four-day intensive training in mediation and related lawyering skills. This training takes place Fall 2023: August 18–20 and Spring 2024: January 12–14. After training, students are placed in cohorts to perform mediation work on actual New York Small Claims Court matters. The mediation work takes place during times assigned by the court. Please note that students will mediate in court one session per week, but should keep both court times available for scheduling purposes.

Approved for Experiential Learning Requirement. Enrollment is limited. Registration is binding. Application is required, and can be found in the Student Resources on the NYLS Portal.

Recommended for the following Professional Pathways: Government/Public Sector; Labor and Employment; Corporate Transactions and Governance; Health Care Management and Compliance; Labor and Employment (Corporate Perspective); Media, Entertainment, Sports, Fashion; General Practice – Litigation/Dispute Resolution; General Practice – Transactional 

4 Credits