there are specific qualifications and certifications for mediation and collaborative law lawyers. These qualifications and certifications help ensure that lawyers have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively practice in these areas.
For mediation, lawyers can pursue certification through various organizations that offer specialized training and accreditation. One such organization is the International Mediation Institute (IMI), which provides a certification program for mediators. The IMI offers different levels of certification, including IMI Certified Mediator and IMI Qualified Mediator, which require meeting specific criteria such as completing a certain number of hours of mediation training and demonstrating practical experience in conducting mediations.
In addition to the IMI, there are other organizations that offer mediation certifications, such as the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Dispute Resolution and the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR). These organizations provide training programs and certifications that lawyers can pursue to enhance their mediation skills and credentials.
Collaborative law, on the other hand, typically requires lawyers to undergo specific training to become certified collaborative law practitioners. The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) is a leading organization that offers training and certification in collaborative law. Lawyers who wish to become certified collaborative law practitioners through the IACP must complete a comprehensive training program that covers the principles and practices of collaborative law. They may also need to fulfill additional requirements, such as participating in collaborative law cases and obtaining recommendations from experienced collaborative law professionals.
It is important to note that the specific qualifications and certifications for mediation and collaborative law lawyers may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the organization providing the certification. Therefore, it is advisable for lawyers interested in pursuing these areas of practice to research and identify the relevant certifications and qualifications in their specific jurisdiction.