Mediation Clinic

About the Clinic:

Students in the UC Hastings Mediation Clinic learn how to deal with conflict effectively, personally, and regularly.  A lawyer’s job involves conflict and problem-solving on a frequent basis.  Thus, the Mediation Clinic provides excellent training and instruction for any type of practice a student may enter after graduation.  Mediation Clinic students study dispute resolution theories, develop communication skills and process management techniques, and apply that learning as neutral third parties helping people resolve ongoing disputes.  Working in 2-person teams, students provide a structured, collaborative process that allows disputants to design their own solution to their conflict.  In mediations, students gather information, identify interests and options, strategize, deal with emotions, help the parties negotiate, and draft settlement agreements. 

About the Clinical Instructor:

Clinical Professor Carol Izumi has directed a Mediation Clinic since 1986, joining the UC Hastings faculty in 2010.  Professor Izumi is a nationally known mediation teacher, scholar, trainer, and practitioner who has practiced in Washington, D.C., Michigan, Virginia, and California. For more information, go to Faculty listings.

Academic Component: The Mediation Clinic seminar meets Tu/Th from 9:40-11:50.  There is an intensive 2-day training early in the semester.  Students learn mediation theory and practice, analyze conflict dynamics, develop strategies and techniques, study ethical rules and policy issues, engage in simulation and role-playing exercises, and provide and receive constructive feedback.  Students submit three self-assessment essays (beginning, mid-term, and end of semester).  In the last few seminars, student teams give presentations on topics of their choice.  Student teams facilitate case “rounds” discussions throughout the semester.

Fieldwork Component: Mon.-Thurs. the UC Hastings Mediation Clinic serves as the “Mediation Department” for the Superior Court of San Francisco Small Claims Court, offering free and immediate mediation to self-represented litigants who appear for trial.  Two students are assigned to each of the 7 court calendars every week.  Student teams also mediate retaliation cases on behalf of the California Department of Industrial Relations and observe professional mediators in a variety of cases (e.g., civil rights, Americans with Disabilities Act cases, employment, discrimination, police/civilian disputes).  Students regularly write reflection and observation papers about their mediations and court appearances.

Units: Students receive 6 units. The 3-unit non-GPA class and 3-unit fieldwork component, graded pass-fail, must be taken concurrently.

Open to: 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th semester students.

Pre-requisite: an introductory Negotiations course and permission of instructor.

Course Requirements and Expectations with Student Learning Outcomes

To enroll: Please email cjc@uchastings.edu, to obtain information on the Mediation Clinic and the application.  Students must attend one Information Session to apply.