Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Civil Mediation Training is designed to prepare mediators to participate in court-approved mediation programs. This program is designed to teach mediators to facilitate communication which assists parties in identifying issues and reaching mutually acceptable agreements.

Civil Mediation is based on principles of communication, negotiation, facilitation and problem-solving. It emphasizes the needs and interests of participants, fairness, procedural flexibility, privacy and confidentiality, full disclosure and self-determination. Integrity, impartiality and professional competence are essential qualifications of any mediator. A mediator is obligated under Rule 31 to acquire knowledge and training in the mediation process, including understanding of appropriate professional ethics, standards, and responsibilities.

Civil mediation focuses on disputes in employer-employee relations, construction and real estate contracts, business relations, sexual harassment claims, insurance claims,  landlord-tenant issues, and any other matter that could be filled in civil courts. Civil mediation is an alternative to the grievance process in labor disputes. Mediation offers an additional option to arbitration which is often employed in labor disputes.

Civil mediation employs a group facilitation process which minimizes loss of productivity and builds long-term resolution and improved employer-employee relationships. In other types of cases, civil mediation is an alternative to litigation. Mediation is less expensive and can preserve ongoing business and professional relationships.

See "Mediation Training" for course description and "Training Schedule" for course dates and locations.