How to Become a Mediator in Minnesota

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How to Become a Mediator in Minnesota

If you are hoping to enter the conflict resolution field or learn how to become a mediator in Minnesota and provide dispute resolution services on behalf of the district courts, this article will outline the qualifications necessary to become a qualified neutral or mediator in the state.

Minnesota is a state of rapidly growing and expanding opportunities for everyone from young professionals to retired individuals. This rapid growth has created a need for more people interested in alternative dispute resolution to slow down the overwhelmed courts.

Qualification Requirements for Admission to the Roster

To be referred disputes from a Minnesota Court, a neutral must be on the roster of the State Court Administrator. This roster lists the qualified neutrals and mediators in the state. The qualifications and ethical requirements for admission to this roster are listed in Court Rule 114.12.

Minnesota has a unique system where mediators, arbitrators, and other neutrals are not individually certified. Instead, Minnesota has varying levels of requirements in both civil mediation and family dispute resolution that encourage overall conflict management and help resolve disputes. Qualified neutrals may be able to complete mediation, early neutral evaluation, arbitration, and various other options to settle disputes.

In most cases, the neutral will need to complete the level of training necessary for the type of alternative dispute resolution they would like to provide. Minnesota splits the requirements for specific mediation fields.

Those hoping to practice family law will need to complete a 40-hour course in family dispute resolution with at least six hours of domestic abuse training. There is additional training to become a parenting consultant or decide on parenting time.

General civil mediation or alternative dispute resolution only requires a 30-hour course. However, if a neutral would like to be registered as an evaluative neutral, they will need to participate in additional training. This applies to those hoping to provide arbitration, early neutral evaluation, or summary jury trial.

Completion of Basic Mediation Training

The only standard requirement to be registered as a qualified neutral is the completion of basic mediation training. This training will outline the mediation process and law governing mediation and conflict resolution. Participants will learn the necessary skills for communication, negotiation, navigation of difficult relationships, options for working with attorneys, and the rules that govern what they can and cannot do for the parties. These skills will be put to practice with role plays designed to help the students understand the mediation process and solve problems when they arise.

Options for Training:

Two organizations lead the pack in providing direct training for certified neutrals in Minnesota.

Dispute Resolution Institute

The Dispute Resolution Institute of Mitchell Hamline School of Law is a recognized leader with a long reputation for providing training. It is a full-scale academic program where students learn mediation skills and professional development to enter the conflict resolution field with the skills necessary to lead the pack. If you hope to become a certified neutral as a career, the Dispute Resolution Institute may be the place for you.

Mediation Center

Mediation Center is a collection of community mediators and mentors that are connected to the Dispute Resolution Institute. Mediation Center focuses on providing the basic training requirement necessary for certification in Minnesota.

Final Thoughts

For those interested in starting their training to become a mediator in Minnesota, the first step is to complete training. If you are hoping to knock out a 30-40 hour training, ADR Times Mediation Training is the place for you. Check out some of the training links here.

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Emily Holland
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