The SCMA Mentorship Program is designed for new mediators who have some experience and training and who are serious about starting their mediation practice. You will be mentored by top tier practitioners on the steps and goals of starting your own mediation practice. Each class is designed to move you closer to the launch of your practice, so it is expected that you make the effort commensurate with the tasks necessary for launching your paid mediation practice.

The Mentorship Program provides mediators who have completed their training with ‘real life’ and ‘hands-on’ tools and experiences necessary for successfully starting a private practice. Topics that are covered include: branding, marketing, networking, etc. In addition, extensive handouts and examples are shared so that mentees can develop a customized business model that is suited for them. In addition to class time, each mentee will be assigned to shadow an experienced and top-tier mediator.

In addition to the class time and the shadowing opportunity, participants will have to complete some required items as well as attend at least one SCMA PDG (Professional Development Group) meeting.

Application process for Spring, 2020 is now open!

Apply To Be A Mentee

Apply To Be A Mentor

“The SCMA Mentor program has been instrumental in helping me launch my mediation practice. The guidance that was given and the speakers that came to give us advice based on their knowledge was excellent. I also want to give a special thank you to Wendy Kramer for her help and guidance. I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking to launch their practice.”

Sally R. PatchenMediator/Strategic Negotiation Consultant – Win Win Succeed

Spring Program

As of November, 2019, these are TENTATIVE.

4 group sessions held from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm on Wednesdays:

1/08/20
2/12/20
3/11/20
4/08/20

In addition, you will be expected to observe one (1) full day mediation scheduled during the regular work week during the months of January through May.

Fall Term Program

As of November, 2019, these are the TENTATIVE dates.

4 group sessions held from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm on Wednesdays:

7/08/20
8/12/20
9/09/20
10/14/20

In addition, you will be expected to observe one (1) full day mediation scheduled during the regular work week during the months of July through November.

Locations

Locations for all of these sessions will be at: ADR Services, 1900 Avenue of the Starts, 2nd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90067. Location for your mentoring experience will be provided by the mentors, but will be in the Los Angeles / Santa Monica regions.

You will be expected to provide your own transportation to these sessions. There will be no make-up sessions if you miss a session, and there is no guarantee of availability of observations for you; only mentees with prospectively flexible calendars are encouraged to apply. Mentees who participate fully in the program will receive a 20 hour certificate of completion from the SCMA.

Mentee’s Pledge

By participating in the Program, mentees acknowledge and agree that:

They will attend all class sessions as there are no make up sessions;
All homework assignments will be completed and timely submitted; and
They will be fully prepared to engage in the class sessions.

With respect to the shadowing opportunity, Mentees acknowledge and agree.

They will only observe, and not participate or otherwise interact with counsel or the parties – unless initiated by the Mediator/Mentor;
The Mentee will not use this opportunity for marketing or networking- e.g., business cards and/or contact information will not be exchanged, and no contact will initiated by the Mentee, with counsel or parties in attendance before, during or after the mediation;
Everything that is seen or heard at the mediation will remain strictly confidential, and the observer may have to sign a Mediation/Confidentiality Agreement;
Any questions should be saved and asked of the Mediator after the sessions has concluded; and
Attire is business professional.

“The mentor program has given me the forum, opportunity and guidance to plan, and execute my move into full time mediation. The program focuses your efforts, and with the mentor‘s guidance, keeps you on track, providing you the necessary tools and learnings to understand and launch your practice. The shadowing opportunities are invaluable; spending time in actual mediations with some of best in our industry, was enlightening and confidence building. Even if you have dipped your toe into mediation, this program will focus and jump start your efforts.”

David Scott Levaton, EsqFranchise Attorny and Mediator – Franchise Legal Support

Group Session 1

The Business of Mediation
Intake and Convening
Tracking Disputants
Getting Paid for Your Services

Group Session 2

Mentees will be expected to have prepared their own mediation office materials based upon Session #1 and be prepared to improve their materials and discuss best practices.

Group Session 3

The Business of Marketing Your Mediation Services
Advertising
Networking
Marketing Materials

Group Session 4

Mentees will be expected to have prepared their own mediation office materials based upon Session #3 and be prepared to improve their materials and discuss best practices.

More Information

For further information call the SCMA Office at (424) 351-6471, or contact the members below:

David Scott Levaton, ESQ

Chair of Mentor Program

Mitchell M. Tarighati

Co-Chair of Mentor Program

Why The Mentor Program?

Hear it from our members

“I extend my sincere thanks and compliments to Wendy Kramer, Joe Markowitz and Anne Sawyer for implementing the SCMA Mentor Program. I had the opportunity to participate in the Spring 2014 session and have found the program to be very helpful in developing my mediation practice. Wendy is an excellent lead mentor and she has brought together an outstanding group of experienced mediators who have generously shared their mediation expertise and insights with the group. Thanks for accepting me into the program.”

William M. Molfetta, Esq.Attorney/Mediator/Arbitrator at Molfetta Mediation Services

“The SCMA Mentorship Program gave me the push and the confidence I was looking for to pursue this rewarding but somewhat daunting new career path. Wendy Kramer prepared thoughtful and practical discussions on finding a specialty, networking and marketing, and building a lasting practice. She invited several successful mediators to share their insights and advice about how they built their own practices. The mediation observation opportunities were interesting and invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anybody who is seriously considering a career as a mediator.”

Tamara M. Rowles, Esq. Mediator and Principal – Constructive Counsel, PC