Basic Mediation Training Program Scheduled in West Virginia
I enjoy being an active member of the Virginia, DC, and West Virginia bars. One of the things I love most is the great people I get to work within each of them. This year is especially exciting for me. As the chair of the sub-committee on training for the West Virginia State Bar, I work closely with the chair of the committee, Monica Haddad, a lawyer and mediator in Morgantown. 2020 is a big year since Monica is also taking on the responsibility as the President of the West Virginia State Bar. She will assume her duties at the state bar conference in April. Monica continues to work with our committee to develop training for West Virginia mediators. Every other year, the State Bar sponsors a two-day introductory level training for mediators.
Flatwoods, the geographic center of the state is the location for the Basic Mediation Training in June.
The training brings together groups of experienced lawyer-mediators, faculty from West Virginia University, and new mediators, interested in learning the skills and methods to be able to help litigants find common ground. This year, the program will be in Flatwoods, West Virginia, over two days: June 17 and 18. I’m excited to be working with Professor Will Rhee of WVU to assist him in creating the morning session that will provide introductory concepts to the attendees. I am also excited to be joining U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi, of the Northern District of West Virginia.
Judge Aloi is among the scheduled presenters at the Basic Mediation Training
I will assist Judge Aloi in presenting on the potential of mediation not only to resolve legal conflicts but to improve our working environments and communities. Other presenters include Judge Debra Scudiere, who will return to share the wisdom she has gathered as an attorney, mediator, and now as a judge. The second day of the training will provide attendees with a chance to put their new skills into practice. Members of the sub-committee will be joining us to act as coaches in a variety of role plays that involve factual situations ranging from auto accidents to a conflict over the administration of an estate. Registration will open by mid-April. Check with the West Virginia State Bar for more details.