Are you a trained mediator ready to move from theory to practice? Mediation Lab is a dynamic online workshop designed for mediators who have completed basic training and want to deepen their skills through an in-depth, hands-on case study.

You’ll follow one model mediation case from intake to resolution, experiencing each stage as it naturally unfolds. At every step, our expert instructors will break down the process, demonstrate key techniques, and then guide you through structured role play using the same case. This immersive approach builds confidence, fluency, and a deeper understanding of how a mediation truly evolves.

Each segment includes:

• Focused mini-lectures on stage-specific tools and challenges
• Live demonstrations by seasoned mediator-instructors
• Supervised role play to apply what you have learned to the evolving case
• Facilitated group discussion and coaching

By working with one case from intake to resolution, you’ll gain a holistic view of the mediation process—developing your ability to respond to real-world complexity with professionalism and clarity.

Designed with you in mind

This advanced training program was developed in response to the expressed needs of participants in prior programs and experienced understanding-based practitioners. Many have shared that while foundational programs provide a strong conceptual and experiential introduction, there is a significant need for more time to work through a case from beginning to end.

This program offers that opportunity. Participants will engage deeply with a single case, gaining extensive practice in the mediation room, all within a structured and supportive environment. With direct guidance and feedback from expert trainers, this immersive experience allows participants to integrate and refine their skills while navigating the real-time dynamics of conflict resolution using the Understanding-Based approach.

The program is designed to support both confidence and competence, helping participants internalize the principles of the model in a practical, embodied way.

Learning Objectives:

1. Navigate a full mediation from start to finish, adjusting your approach as dynamics shift and new information emerges.
2. Use targeted strategies at each stage, selecting techniques that meet the parties’ needs and move the process forward.
3. Reflect critically on your practice with structured feedback, peer support, and professional coaching to identify strengths and areas for growth.

What is the cost?

The program training fee is $550

Is there CLE Credit?

The Center for Understanding in Conflict is an accredited provider of California Continuing Legal Education by the State Bar of California.  The Mediation Lab training will qualify for 13 participatory CA MCLE credit hours.

Who are the Trainers?*

Catherine Conner has been a mediation and collaborative practice trainer since 2004. She is a frequent presenter at collaborative conferences and family law workshops. She authored Collaborative Practice Materials with Steven Neustadter and Margaret Anderson. Catherine Conner’s private practice focuses on family law alternate dispute resolution, including mediation, collaborative practice, and private judging. She graduated from the UC Berkeley School of Law in 1982 and is a founding partner of Conner, Lawrence, Rodney, Olhiser & Barrett, LLP. She has been honored as the recipient of the Rex Sater Award for Excellence in Family Law, the Eureka award by Collaborative Practice California and was the 2018 honoree for Careers of Distinction.  She was on the Board of Directors of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals from 2007-2014 and served as the President in 2013.

Michelle Exline Minovi is a highly skilled divorce and family mediator with 12+ years family law experience.  As Managing Attorney at the legal services non-profit Ayuda in Washington, D.C., Michelle represented low-income and Spanish-speaking immigrant clients in complex matrimonial cases in the context of domestic violence. After moving to Brooklyn, Michelle litigated and won sole custody on behalf of a mother of two children who was forced to leave the ultra-orthodox community because she identified as queer. After three years of intense litigation, Michelle wondered if there was an alternative way to divorce. Michelle knew she had to pivot from litigation to mediation when she took her first mediation training at the Center for Understanding Conflict.

Melanie Rowen is a mediator and conflict coach who believes in the power of understanding-based conflict resolution to transform our world. She frequently trains individuals and groups on effective communication in conflict situations and on creating inclusive environments, particularly around gender, sexual orientation, and disability. Melanie previously litigated civil rights cases, including marriage equality, employment discrimination, issues involving transgender and gender non-conforming youth and their families, and issues facing LGBTQ+ elders, at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and served on the Board of Directors of the Transgender Law Center. Earlier in her career, she worked in business litigation at Latham & Watkins LLP, and for many years, she was the Associate Director for Public Interest Programs at UC Berkeley School of Law. Melanie currently works in attorney professional development at the Bay Area offices of a large law firm, and is a member of the Board of Directors for the National Association for Law Placement.

PLEASE NOTE THAT REGISTRATIONS RECEIVED LESS THAN 72 HOURS PRIOR TO PROGRAM START WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE TRAINING TEAM DUE TO DEMANDS OF PREPARATION TIME AND ROLE PLAY ASSIGNMENTS.

For additional information, please email us at [email protected].

*Please note that trainers are subject to availability and may change prior to program start without notice.

**Please select desired ticket and quantity using the +/- feature before clicking ‘Get Tickets.’