Mediation & Paralegal Combination Program
MEDPARA — Mediation and Paralegal Combination Program , hours
Mediation and dispute resolution are rapidly growing fields of study and sought after skills in the workplace. This comprehensive course provides the core skill sets necessary for the practice of mediation.As it becomes more and more apparent that individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities and nations must begin to work together in peaceful ways for the common good, mediation and dispute resolution are poised to become increasingly popular. In mediation, a neutral third party, termedamediator,workswithbothsidesof a dispute to have them agree on their own terms, without someone else deciding what is best for them. Students are guided through stages of mediation and how these stages apply to actual case studies of mediation. Students are offered an overview of the nature of conflict and differing styles of human interaction and are asked to explore their unique style of engaging or avoiding conflict and how this might affect their role as a mediator. The course presents an overview of theories of conflict and power, influences of gender and culture and how each helps inform a mediator's interventions. The important skill set of negotiation, including how to apply negotiation techniques, the critical issue oftiming,and caucuses and other techniques to deal with impasses in the mediation are presented. The course covers the standards and ethics of this growing profession. Students learn core people skills such as reflective listening, impartiality, reframing, effective communication, and the handling of critical moments.
Professor
Joe Reyes
I have been a Mediation Instructor with Lakewood University since June of 2017. Prior to being part of the Lakewood University team, I have worked as a mediator for the Center for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDRS) as well a private mediator. In addition to working in the mediation field I have held several different postions. I have worked as Criminal Justice program director for San Joaquin Valley College, an Officer with the Fullerton College Campus Police Department, Field Training Officer at the State of California Office of Protective Services. I was then promoted to Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and investigated numerous cases involving child abuse, elder abuse, death investigations and sexual assaults.
In 2007, I transferred to the State of California Department of Corrections where I worked as a Special Agent with their Internal Affairs (OIA) Unit. I held the position of Terroism Liason Office. I also was fortunate to serve 7 years in the United States Marine Corps and 6 years in the Army National Guard.
I also have my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Masters of Arts in Negotiations and Conflict Management.
Julie Beadle
Julie Beadle graduated from the University of Akron School of Law summa cum laude and has been employed with the Ohio Eleventh District Court of Appeals in Trumbull County as a judicial attorney for eight years. She enjoys performing research on a variety of difficult legal problems with a special interest in the criminal justice system and criminal law.
Julie Beadle has also taught online paralegal courses in many subjects and finds the experience of interacting with students and learning from them to be very rewarding.
As a life-long resident of Ohio, she likes to watch all Cleveland sports teams and attend Cleveland Indians games. She also spends time caring for her cats, all of which have been rescued.
Online Support (IT) and Moodle Navigation
All members of the Lakewood University community who use the University’s computing, information or communication resources must act responsibly. Support is accessible by calling 1-800-517-0857 option 2 or by emailing info@lakewood.edu
Books and Resources
Mediation
Haggins, Tanya L. Professional Mediator Certificate Course Manual. Cleveland Heights: Lakewood University, 2018.
Haynes, John M. The Fundamentals of Family Mediation. Albany: State Univer-sity of New York, 1994.
Fisher, Roger, William Ury, and Bruce Patton. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. New York: Penguin, 2011.
Paralegal Studies
Meinzinger, Mary, and Roger Miller. Paralegal Today: The Essentials. 7th ed. Albany,NY: Delmar, 2017.
Evaluation Method
Graded work will receive a numeric score reflecting the quality of performance.
Course Requirement Summary
- Practical Skills – Pass/Fail
- Weekly discussion forums – Pass/Fail
- Quizzes - 1600 Points
- Final Exam - 50 Points
Grading Scale
Graded work will receive a numeric score reflecting the quality of performance as given above in evaluation methods. The maximum number of points a student may earn is 1700. To determine the final grade, the student's earned points are divided by 1700.
Your overall course grade will be determined according to the following scale:
A = (90% -100%)
B = (80% - 89%)
C = (70% - 79%)
D = (60% - 69%)
F < (Below 60%)
Assignment and Discussion Forum Post Rubrics
Writing Assignment Grading Rubric
|
Points |
Excellent |
Good |
Poor |
Very Poor |
No Response |
|
Original Posting ____/10 |
Writing assignment was well thought out, coherent, and thoughtfully organized with all parts of the questions addressed along with appropriate grammar and spelling |
Writing was clear and relatively well organized and responded to many/most of the key points with a few mistakes in regard to grammar and spelling |
Writing was somewhat confusing and not well organized and had little or no focus on the subject matter with significant grammar and spelling errors |
Writing is confusing and hard to follow with no organization while missing the point of the assignment entirely |
No Assignment |
|
Total Points ____/10 |
Additional Comments: |
Discussion Question Grading Rubric
|
Points |
Excellent Pass |
Good Pass |
Poor Fail |
No Response Fail |
|
Original Posting PASS/FAIL |
Original post reflected good focus to the discussion with well thought out ideas and appropriate grammar and spelling |
Original post responded to the topic in a general fashion but failed to organize them well and had a few mistakes in regard to grammar and spelling |
Responded with little or no focus to the discussion and contained short, irrelevant and/or confusing commentary with significant grammar and spelling errors |
No posting |
|
Reply to fellow student PASS/FAIL |
Response to fellow student reflected good focus to the post with well thought out ideas and appropriate grammar and spelling |
Response to fellow student in a general fashion but failed to organize them well and had a few mistakes in regard to grammar and spelling |
Little or no focus to the post and contained short, irrelevant and/or confusing commentary with significant grammar and spelling errors |
No posting |
|
Total Points PASS/FAIL |
Additional Comments: |
Academic Integrity/ Plagiarism
Cheating (dishonestly taking the knowledge of another person whether on a test or an assignment and presenting it as your work) and plagiarism (to take and pass off as one's own the ideas or writing of another) are a serious issue. While it is legitimate to talk to others about your assignments and incorporate suggestions, do not let others "write" your assignments in the name of peer review or "borrow" sections or whole assignments written by others. We do get ideas from life experiences and what we read but be careful that you interpret these ideas and make them your own.
I am aware that many types of assignments are available on the internet and will check these sources when there is legitimate suspicion.
Penalty is a zero on the assignment. In cases where there is a major or continuous breach of trust, further discipline, such as an "F" in the course, may be necessary.
The major consequence of any form of cheating is damage to your character and the result of trust and respect.
Disability Accommodations
Students who have a disability and wish to request an academic accommodation should contact Jim Gepperth, the Disabilities Services Coordinator and Academic Dean. The student can request an accommodation at any time although it is encouraged to do so early in the enrollment process. The student should complete an accommodation request form which begins a conversation between the school and the student regarding the nature of their disability and an accommodation that would help the student succeed in their program. The school may request documentation regarding the disability to address the accommodation request effectively. The school will communicate to the student the type of accommodation arranged. This process typically follows a team approach, bringing together persons from the academic department (including the instructor) and personnel from other departments as necessary. Additional information on disability accommodations may be found in the Lakewood University Catalog.
Disability Services Email: disabilityservices@lakewood.edu
Supplemental Texts
You can use the following resources to assist you with proper source citation.
American Psychological Association Style Guide- https://www.mylakewoodu.com/pluginfile.php/118179/mod_resource/content/1/APA%20Style%20Guide%207th%20edition.pdf
The Purdue OWL website is also a helpful resource for students. Here is a link to the OWL website: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html
Library
Mary O'Dell is the Librarian on staff at Lakewood University
She is available by appointment. You can make an appointment with her by emailing her at modell@lakewood.edu or call at 1-800-517-0857 X 730
You may also schedule a meeting at this link: https://my.setmore.com/calendar#monthly/r3a761583354923270/01032020
She can assist you with navigating LIRN, research, citations etc.
Support
Each student at Lakewood University is assigned a Success Coach. Your Success Coach exists to assist you with academic and supportive services as you navigate your program. They will reach out to you, often, to check-in. Please use the resources they offer.
Student Services is available to assist with technical questions regarding Lakewood University and all services available to you.
1-800-517-0857 option 2
info@lakewood.edu
studentservices@lakewood.edu
Career Services
Students are offered Career Services at any point as they journey their academics at Lakewood University.
1-800-517-0857 option 2
careerservices@lakewood.edu
Objectives
1) Identify various conflict resolution processes
2) Discuss career opportunities available in the conflict resolution field upon successful completion of this program
3) Identify and explain the five stages of mediation
4) Write an opening statement effectively
5) Illustrate barriers to communication
6) Argue negotiation tactics to specific scenarios effectively
7) Utilize active listening strategies
8) Distinguish between various effective strategies for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills
9) Demonstrate skills for forming mutually acceptable agreements
10) Construct an effective mediation agreement
11) Interpret ethical issues that may arise
12) Write a mediated divorce agreement
13) Assemble a marketing strategy for a mediation practice
14) Discuss the basic duties of paralegals and their role in the legal system
15) Identify how technology is utilized by paralegals
16) Describe what the sources of U.S. law are and how they can be used in legal research
17) Analyze how the U.S. courts are structured
18) Understand how ethics rules apply within the legal system and to paralegals’ conduct
19) Explain legal billing/fees and programs used to track them
20) Define case management and docket control
21) Identify methods of conducting effective legal research
22) Demonstrate your ability to draft legal documents
23) Compare strategies for preparing for civil litigation
24) Evaluate how electronic discovery benefits the client
25) Indicate skills necessary to effectively complete interviews
26) Assess the types of litigation support software
27) Discover the structure and components of civil trials
28) State the rights criminal defendants have and the procedures used to protect those rights
29) Illustrate how to use technology and trial presentation programs in the courtroom
30) Defend your positions on which Constitutional provisions should be amended
31) Utilize online resources to research case law
Lessons
History of dispute resolution and its processes
Reading Assignment Lesson 1
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Discussion Forum — Welcome to Mediation! Test #1
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
| Types of mediation, their advantages and disadvantages. Ethical considerations |
Reading Assignment Lesson 2
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Discussion Forum — Mediation and You
Test #2
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
| Communication techniques and asking questions |
Reading Assignment Lesson 3
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Discussion Forum — Caucusing Parties
Test #3
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
| Working with other professionals such as attorneys, accountants, appraisers |
Reading Assignment Lesson 4
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Practice Your Skills - 4
Test #4
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
| Getting both parties to participate in the mediation process |
Reading Assignment Lesson 5
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Practice Your Skills - 5
Test #5
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
| Creating your opening statement to engender hope & safety |
Reading Assignment Lesson 6
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Practice Your Skills - 6
Test #6
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
- Gathering information & mediation control
Reading Assignment Lesson 7
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Practice Your Skills - 7
Test #7
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
- Negotiation planning instruments, defining parties and positions
Reading Assignment Lesson 8
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Practice Your Skills - 8
Test #8
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
- Facilitating communication & dealing with problems
Reading Assignment Lesson 9
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Practice Your Skills - 9
Test #9
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
-
Problem behaviors, addressing impasse
Reading Assignment Lesson 10
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Practice Your Skills - 10
Test #10
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
| Theories of conflict management, bargaining tactics |
Reading Assignment Lesson 11
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Discussion Forum – Principles of Negotiation
Test #11
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
| Drafting an agreement, avoiding the unauthorized practice of law |
Reading Assignment Lesson 12
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Practice Your Skills - 12
Test #12
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
-
Ethics of the mediation profession
Reading Assignment Lesson 13
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Practice Your Skills - 13
Test #13
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
- Issues related to divorce, family, domestic violence & child abuse
Reading Assignment Lesson 14
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Practice Your Skills - 14
Test #14
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
-
Issues related to the business environment
Reading Assignment Lesson 15
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Practice Your Skills - 15
Test #15
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
- Marketing your mediation practice
Reading Assignment Lesson 16
Review Vocabulary Terms
Watch Lesson Recording
Practice Your Skills—16
Test #16
Study & Review all Course Materials
Take Final Exam (Covering all Course Textbook Materials)
Lesson Evaluation
Complete all activities and tests in lesson
| Introduction to paralegal profession, job responsibilities and career opportunities |
Read Paralegal Today: Chapter 1 - Today's Professional Paralegal and Chapter 2 - Career Opportunities
Complete all activities
How computers and technology are utilized in a law office & review computer skills
Read Using Computers in the Law Office: Chapter 1 - Overview of Computers and Technology in the Law Office (pages 1-22) and Chapter 2 - Word Processing and Document Assembly (pages 26-43)
Complete all activities
Structure of American courts, sources of law & legal research
Read Paralegal Today: Chapter 5 - Sources of American Law and Chapter 6 - The Court System and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Complete all activities
: Paralegal Ethics
Read Paralegal Today: Chapter 4 - Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Review the ABA Model Guidelines for the Utilization of Paralegal Services: https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/paralegals/ls_prlgs_modelguidelines.pdf
Complete all activities
| Law office operations, legal fees and client agreements |
Read Paralegal Today: Chapter 3 - The Inner Workings of the Law Office
Complete all activities
: Legal Timekeeping and Billing
Read Using Computers in the Law Office: Chapter 4 - Legal Timekeeping and Billing Software (pages 165-193)
Complete all activities
Software programs used to track client cases, how social media impacts legal field
Read Using Computers in the Law Office: Chapter 5 - Databases, Case Management, and Docket Control Software (pages 213-229) and Chapter 6 - The Cloud and Social Media (pages 255-271)
Complete all activities
Lesson 8: Legal Research
Read Paralegal Today: Chapter 7 - Legal Analysis and Research
Complete all activities
| The internet as a tool for research and investigation |
Read Using Computers in the Law Office: Chapter 9 - The Internet, Computer-Assisted Legal Research, and Electronic Mail (pages 379-419)
Complete all activities
Legal Writing
Read Paralegal Today: Chapter 9 - Legal Writing: Form and Substance
Complete all activities
Civil Litigation: Pre-trial
Read Paralegal Today: Chapter 10 - Civil Litigation: Before the Trial and Using Computers in the Law Office: Chapter 7 - Electronic Discovery (pages 274-294)
Complete all activities
| How to successfully interview clients and witnesses. Locating witnesses |
Read Paralegal Today: Chapter 11 - Conducting Interviews and Investigations
Complete all activities
| Methods and programs for preparing documents, filings, exhibits for litigation |
Read Using Computers in the Law Office: Chapter 8 - Litigation Support Software (pages 297-327)
Complete all activities
| The role of the paralegal during the trial, what accours at trial and appeals procedures |
Read Paralegal Today: Chapter 12 - Trial Procedures
Complete all activities
Lesson 15: Criminal Law and Procedures
Read Paralegal Today: Chapter 13 - Criminal Law and Procedures
Complete all activities
Lesson 16: Technology and the Courtroom
Read Using Computers in the Law Office: Chapter 10 - The Electronic Courthouse, Automated Courtroom, and Presentation Graphics (pages 455-471)
Complete all activities
Lesson 17: The United States Constitution
Read Paralegal Today: Appendix I - The Constitution of the United States
Complete all activities
Lesson 18: Performing Case Research
No assigned reading. Study for the Final
Complete a weekly review of material
Final Examination
The exam is cumulative, so please review all the chapters in your textbook.
Complete the Final Exam