In our mediation clinic, we do teach law students how to deeply listen to people, understand both their true interests in a conflict and the role emotions play in that conflict. The student mediators also promote the creation of a variety of options for the parties. When the students shed the thought they know what a good outcome might be and in fact have the parties create a meaningful resolution, they learn that the role of a lawyer (or mediator) is to help people achieve that which they truly desire. I often tell the students that the skills they are learning are critical to their ability to become an effective “counselor at law” and advocate for their clients.

Janine