The Center for Legal Studies is a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA).

Alternative Dispute Resolution (Mediation) Online Certificate Course

This Certificate Course was developed and is administered by the Center for Legal Studies.

Course Description: Participants will learn negotiation skills and how to select the most cost-effective and least intrusive Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method to achieve the most positive result for both parties. Students will understand the processes and methods of ADR techniques; learn the proper application and limits of ADR techniques; appreciate the ethical considerations involved in ADR; and develop a basic ability to apply ADR methods. ADR is geared for all professionals who are focused on "interest-based bargaining." This 42-hour, 7-week course takes the mystery out of settlement processes and focuses on reaching reasonable solutions.

Topics include: Why Conflicts Escalate, Why Mediation Works, The Mediation Process, The Role of the Mediator, Coming to an Agreement, Problems Encountered in Mediation, Developing ADR Programs for Government, Business and Personal Disputes, and Divorce Settlement Mediation.

This is an accelerated course, and you will be expected to spend an average of at least 8 hours per week reading and completing writing assignments. Please note that, barring extenuating circumstances, extensions will not be granted for this online course.

Please note: At this time, this course is not approved by the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution for registration as a mediator or arbitrator.

Required Textbook: The required text for this course is Alternative Dispute Resolution in a Nutshell, by Jacqueline M. Nolan-Haley. The textbooks are available from the Center of Legal Studies for approximately $40. Please call 1-800-522-7737 to order textbooks and to obtain shipping charges. Books ordered the week immediately prior to class will incur an additional shipping fee. Prices are subject to change.

How to earn your Certificate of Program Completion: Your grade will be based on your completion of six Private Mail assignments, two tests, and class participation. The tests and Private Mail assignments are submitted using the Private Mail tool within the courseware. You will have the opportunity to engage in "class participation" by using the online Bulletin Board tool to respond to the bulletin board assignments throughout the course.

Your final grade will be figured as follows:
• The six assignments are worth 50 points each and comprise 40% of your grade.
• The two exams are worth 100 points and comprise 40% of your grade.
• Your participation in class participation assignments comprises 20% of your grade.

Withdrawal Policy: Students may drop the course with a full tuition refund (less $50 administrative fee) if written notice is sent to The Center for Legal Studies by email to info@legalstudies.com by the Wednesday before the course begins. Students may drop the course with a 50% tuition refund if written notice is sent to The Center for Legal Studies by email to info@legalstudies.com anytime from the Thursday before the course begins until the first Thursday of the course. After the first Thursday of the course no refunds will be issued.

Register online for SU09 II Online Session: June 29 through August 14, 2009

Register online for FA09 I Online Session: August 24 through October 9, 2009

Register online for FA09 II Online Session: October 19 through December 4, 2009

Or use our printable registration form.

Alternative Dispute Resolution—DVD or VHS format

Alternative Dispute Resolution (Mediation) is geared for all professionals who are focused on "interest-based bargaining." This course takes the mystery out of settlement processes and focuses on reaching reasonable solutions. Topics include: Why Conflicts Escalate, Why Mediation Works, The Mediation Process, The Role of the Mediator, Coming to an Agreement, Problems Encountered in Mediation, Developing ADR Programs for Government, Business and Personal Disputes, and Divorce Settlement Mediation.

Session 1: Introduction, History and Origin of ADR-Mediation.

Session 2: Techniques for ADR: The Mediation Process & Role of the Mediator.

Session 3: Business Disputes, Settlement Issues in the Business Sector, Employment Disputes and Employer/Employee Relationships. Job search strategies and placement possibilities will also be discussed.

Participants will be expected to complete reading and homework assignments and will choose or be assigned project reports that deal with ADR topics. Independent project development is encouraged. Final projects will be presented for critique to The Center for Legal Studies as a prerequisite of course completion.

Books required for the Live Lecture, DVD-VHS, and Audio formats:

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution Handbook, by Scott and Lisa Hatch, published by The Center for Legal Studies, ISBN# 0-9637248-7-8. This book is only available for purchase through CLS.
  • ADR in a Nutshell, 2nd edition, by Jacqueline M. Nolan-Haley, Thomson Learning, ISBN# 0-314-23888-3.

Refund Policy

  • Students have 15 days from the date they register for the video, audio, or DVD courses to drop the class and receive a refund less a $50 non-refundable administrative fee.
  • If students drop after 15 days from their registration date no refund will be issued.
  • Materials, video tapes, audiotapes, and/or DVDs, must be received by CLS in new condition no less than 15 days from the date of purchase. No items will be accepted after 15 days.

Click here to register online for this course or use our printable registration form


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