More than 180 listed Alternative Dispute Resolution mediators attended the 11th Annual Advanced Mediation Techniques Workshop held October 18 at Lipscomb University.
The participants heard presentations from 15 experts in the field of mediation on topics such as Ethical Considerations for the Mediator and Challenges in Early Mediation. There also were several breakout sessions for family law and general civil mediation.
While most of the participants were attending the program in person, many also attended remotely via an online connection.
The Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission administers the procedure for training and approving mediators for use by the courts in Tennessee. Pursuant to Rule 31 of the Tennessee Supreme Court Rules, parties in any civil action (except forfeitures of seized property, civil commitments, adoption proceedings, habeas corpus and extraordinary writs, or juvenile delinquency cases) may be ordered to participate in a judicial settlement conference or mediation upon motion of either party or by the court’s own motion.
The commission members are appointed by the Supreme Court. Justice Sharon Lee serves as the Court’s liaison to the Commission.