Basic mediation training is the first step to becoming a mediator and is also required to join a court roster in Maryland. There are many organizations in Maryland that regularly provide basic and advanced mediation training. Listed below are links to several Maryland-based programs that frequently offer basic mediation training. Please check each program’s website for the schedule of when their trainings are offered, the cost of registering, and in what format attendees are required to participate (in-person, remote, or a combination of both). Some organizations will offer their training more frequently than others.
Mediation Training Resources
Note: This list is not exhaustive of all training options. Additionally, inclusion on the list does not indicate that these training courses have been approved or endorsed by the Maryland Judiciary.
Anne Arundel Community College, Legal Studies Institute
Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution (C-ADR)
Center for Dispute Resolution at Maryland Carey School of Law (C-DRUM)
Maryland Council for Dispute Resolution (MCDR)
Maryland State Bar Association, ADR Section
Montgomery College Mediation Trainings
For individuals interested in donating their mediation services to the community, training may be available through your local community mediation center. Find the community mediation center in your area, and contact them to learn more about their application process and volunteer commitment requirements.
Questions to ask before selecting a training:
It is always a good idea to contact the organization or trainer ahead of time to ask any questions you may have. This is particularly true if you plan to apply to mediate in the courts one day. Not all mediation training courses will meet the qualifications to mediate in the courts. Important questions you may want to ask include:
Trainer Experience:
- What experience do you have as a practicing mediator?
- How many mediations have you completed; what types of cases have you mediated?
- How many basic mediation training courses have you or your team taught?
- Who will be serving as roleplay coaches to monitor and critique the practice role-plays and simulations, and what is their experience?
Training specifics:
- What is the cost to participate?
- Is the training being held in person or will it be remote learning online (such as on Zoom)?
- If the training is remote learning, what requirements does the trainer set for attendees to demonstrate full participation in the course?
- How many hours of synchronous instruction will be provided? Will the course include any self-directed (asynchronous) instruction or activities? (Note: Trainings that are asynchronous do not meet Maryland Rule 17-104.)
- How much opportunity will there be for practicing mediation skills during the training?
- Is the training intended to meet the content and experiential learning components outlined in Maryland Rule 17-104?
Post Training Support:
- Do you offer any opportunities for students to observe you conducting a mediation, or to co-mediate with you?
- Do you offer any mentoring opportunities?