You have to keep an open mind when mediating, and you can come up with solutions that a judge would never consider. Additionally, several attorneys in the city volunteer to work with the students during mediation. The project is jointly sponsored by the Fordham Law Clinic and the Public Interest Resource Center. Students who participate in the program must take mediation classes at the Law School and attend a weekend training session. In all, students receive about 30 hours of training total.
Students later team with an attorney for each mediation session.
Mediators must be able to listen, to communicate effectively and to be able to read the parties and to figure out what's really going on. And they must absolutely remain neutral. Libby Vazquez, a second-year evening Law student and member of the student board, said the project has helped her develop her people skills. I think the most valuable thing I learned is how to talk to people and put them at ease. I learned how to get people to talk and to listen to what they are saying.