Civil Mediation Training -September 2025

28-Hour Civil Mediation Training -September 11-14, 2025

Want to launch or grow your mediation career? Develop your skills at a unique, in-person civil mediation training program developed and led by Joe Murphey, an experienced mediator who has mediated more than 3,000 cases. Rex Smith, another experienced mediator, will participate as a trainer at Miles’ General Civil Mediation Training program, which has been approved by the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. 

Unlike other programs that are all virtual, our General Civil Mediation Training program is conducted in person. During this intensive four-day training session, you’ll learn about:

• The history behind, and purpose of, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods including mediation
• Georgia court systems and processes and how mediation fits into them  
• The role of the mediator, and the qualities of a successful mediator
• The difference between facilitative and evaluative mediation
• Different techniques used in mediation including facilitation, problem-solving, questioning, reading body language, dealing with difficult people, and working through impasse 
• The mediation process itself
• Ethics and professionalism in mediation
• The importance of the written settlement agreement and what it should include
• Confidentiality of mediations and exceptions to it
• Handling escalating tensions at mediation
• Diversity and mediation, including explicit and implicit bias, and culturally specific behavioral nuances mediators must be aware of
• How to develop your skills as a mediator

Class size is limited to 10 to 20 participants to provide plenty of one-on-one attention and time for questions and role-playing. The four-day program runs from September 11-14, 2025. In addition to the mediation training, attendees may attend a cocktail reception with Miles’ neutrals; have lunch with the founder and chairman of Miles, John Miles; and have three months of complimentary access to the continuing legal education (CLE) courses offered by Miles’ Education Division; and a swag bag.

Miles is also planning a two-day twelve-hour civil mediation practicum on September 20 and 21, featuring five simulations which will provide hands-on co-mediation experience to help you develop and practice your mediation skills. The practicum is included in the registration fee.