Any Mediators Out There?

[AtlantaSue]

I recently took an intensive course and have become a certified neutral/mediator. I'm scared to death to actually take on my 1st case!!!! Any words of wisdom from someone w/ experience? I am friends w/ a nice Judge in my town (Magistrate Court) who is willing to give me a shot, but I am very nervous. Please help if you can!!! I passed the Bar years ago, but really never practiced; I have been a SAHM for 11 years. DH is a builder, and times have been tough recently---thus my attempt to re-enter the work force! TIA. I 'm really hoping someone here on the DIS has some insight.....

 

[Imzadi]

Congratulations!!!

Is there someone who is already a mediator who can mentor you or that you can call if you run into some trouble & need some tips and advice? I, too would be nervous, and would feel better if there was someone to call or consult with. Perhaps the judge who is giving you a break, understands and can give you a suggestion of people to call.

BTW, you'll be FINE! You already have a judge who believes in you. I'm sure he is shrewd and a great judge og people. He'd have to be, after sitting on the bench for a while. He can probably spot B.S. in people before they open their mouths. And likewise, he knows when there is more to a person than what meets the eye, or that the surface details don't tell everything. Like this being your first case, doesn't mean you haven't been racking up the necessary life skills to handle this new career. I'm sure being a SAHM, you've had your fair share of being a mediator in different realms.

Good luck!

 

[AtlantaSue]

Thanks for the encouragement! I think once I get past the first one, all should be well--I have people I can call, etc. But the fear of the unknown as far as actually doing that 1st one is driving me nuts. I need to just go to one and get it over with...

 

[java]

My dad has been doing this for the past 4 years(he had been a corporate attorney for years - so his experience level was high)
But he says it's way easy. In fact the majority of cases never even make it to mediation. We live in the tri state area so many of his cases are related to stock fraud right now. And most come to some settlement before it goes to full on mediation.
Some gentle prodding from my Dad gets the ball rolling.

Good luck and you'll be FINE! You have a judge that believes in you. And you can do this.

 

[olena]

Congratulations, Sue!

I'm sure you'll do fine.

Are you working with a mediation firm or directly for the judge/court? What kind of mediation? DH sat in on some landlord-tenant mediation in Fulton County during his mediation class. He is also a registered neutral in GA. For all I know, the two of you may have been in the same class. He just did CLE in mediation and that covered mediation and dealing with high-conflict and confrontational personalities. He has an interview with a judge in Cherokee county soon for a clerkship and he's nervous, too. He's newly minted and trying to start his law career and the economy isn't making things any easier.

PM me. DH is VERY interested in mediation and ADR.

 

[chrisw127]

I recently took an intensive course and have become a certified neutral/mediator. I'm scared to death to actually take on my 1st case!!!! Any words of wisdom from someone w/ experience? I am friends w/ a nice Judge in my town (Magistrate Court) who is willing to give me a shot, but I am very nervous. Please help if you can!!! I passed the Bar years ago, but really never practiced; I have been a SAHM for 11 years. DH is a builder, and times have been tough recently---thus my attempt to re-enter the work force! TIA. I 'm really hoping someone here on the DIS has some insight.....

Good luck! I am in almost the same boat as you. Worked, had kids, decided to stay home and then moved to another state which means I have to take the Bar again. I'm freaking out because I feel like I've lost all my edge. I loved staying home with the kids (my twins aren't two yet), but I also feel it kind of fried my brain a little. I'm also considering the mediator route.

Anyway, no advice, just wanted to give you a thumbs up and tell you good luck. Come back and keep us posted!