Second and third year law students may participate in the Small Claims Mediation Clinic in collaboration with the Milwaukee County, Small Claims Division, and the Waukesha County Circuit Court, Small Claims Court. The Mediation Clinic is overseen by Director Paul Stenzel, an attorney and experienced mediator.
In the Small Claims Mediation Clinic, students work on:
- Learning the dynamics of disputes resolution;
- Analyzing conflict and listening styles;
- Developing enhanced communication and active listening skills;
- Exploring and experiencing how mediation works in the court system;
- Developing and applying problem-solving strategies.
The Clinic and Law Students
Every Monday morning during the semester, clinic students enter the world of real-life disputes brought before Commissioners in Small Claims Court. Students, under the supervision of experienced mediators and a licensed attorney, mediate cases in the courtroom or by Zoom. If a case settles, the student mediators write final agreements, which are filed with the court. All students debrief with the supervising mediators and the Director of the Mediation Clinic.
For Volunteers
The Law School is grateful to the experienced mediators who volunteer their time and efforts to supervise law students facilitating mediations with this program. An additional resource for volunteer supervision is found here.
Mediation Clinic Supervisor Handbook
For Students
The Clinic starts with an intensive weekend mediation training program to jump-start their skills. Students refine those listening and problem-solving skills, to help provide parties with alternatives to litigation.
The Mediation Clinic is part of the “Clinics, Judicial Internships and Supervised Fieldwork Programs” curriculum at Marquette University Law School. If you are a law student interested in participating in the Mediation Clinic please complete and submit an application form to the Director of Clinical Education.
You can reach the Mediation Clinic via email at mediationclinic@marquette.edu.