How to Become a Mediator in Tennessee

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How to Become a Mediator in Tennessee

If you want to make a career change or possibly begin your career in alternative dispute resolution, learning how to become a mediator in Tennessee can be a great stepping stone to gaining clients and experience. Becoming a certified mediator in Tennessee is governed by Rule 31 and overseen by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission of the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Rule 31 has established requirements in education, work experience, and training to become a certified mediator. The Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission warns that many certified mediators do not earn their whole living from the practice, but instead, the primary purpose is the joy of helping people resolve their disputes and expanding their professional experience.

How to Become a Mediator in TN

Mediators in Tennessee are expected to meet education and work experience requirements and complete a minimum number of 40 hours of mediation training. These requirements ensure that the mediators have exposure to the legal system and have the communication skills to work toward conflict resolution. It also ensures that mediators understand the ethical implications of their role and how to remain neutral when they may feel strongly about the case. If you are looking to become a mediator in Tennessee, you will want to ensure you can meet the requirements in each category.

There are also two categories of mediators in Tennessee:

  • general civil mediation and
  • family mediation.

Mediators can choose to be listed in either category or both; however, they will need to fulfill specific requirements for both of those categories or specific training if they would like to participate in the combined section.

Education and Work Experience Requirments

The first requirement in Tennessee is the education and work experience requirements. These vary slightly based on both which category the mediator would like to join and the level of degree that they have. At the very least, a certified mediator will need to have a baccalaureate degree and some years of work experience. However, the actual requirements are based on the categories.

To have a general civil listing, the mediator must have a baccalaureate degree and six or more years of work experience or a master’s degree and four or more years of work experience. The Tennessee Supreme Court defines work experience as 35 or more hours per week.

For family law mediation, the mediator will need to have a bachelor’s degree and ten years of work experience or have a master’s degree or be a certified accountant with four years of full-time work. Specifically for family mediation, the mediator will need to have full-time work experience in psychiatry, psychology, counseling, family mediation, social work, education, law, or accounting.

General Civil Mediation Training

In addition to education and work experience, applicants need to go through an approved general mediation training course. Participants in mediation training will have at least 40 hours of training and earn a training certificate for their work. This mediation training is most frequently run by mediators will extensive knowledge of the mediation process and has a small class size to ensure that everyone can demonstrate the skills needed and meet the qualifications upon completion.

Family Mediation Training

To have a family listing, a mediator will need to go through approved family mediation training. This training focuses on the skills necessary to become a family mediator. This includes a basic understanding of family law and an introduction to domestic violence awareness and training. The trainer in these classes will often conduct the training based on their experience as a family mediators. Participants in this program can expect a 46-hour course.

Combined Mediators

In addition to choosing either course, a mediator can choose to be listed as a combined mediator, meaning that they are certified to provide both general civil mediation and family mediation. The ADR Commission lists additional requirements for the combined mediator and requires attendance at a bridge training. If a person completed the initial civil mediation training, they will also need completion of a civil to-family crossover training, and the family mediator must complete a crossover to civil mediation. There is also domestic violence training that can bridge gaps.

Experience with the Mediation Process

The majority of new mediators also work with mentors on their first few mediations with parties to ensure that they are familiar with the process and able to complete the necessary skills before conducting mediations on their own.

The Application

Once the mediator has met the requirements above, they will need to fill out an online application and submit the application and a fee to the Administrative Office of the Tennesee Court System. The ADR Commission accepts only online applications and will not accept paper applications. It is important for practicing mediators to continue to receive CLE credit and remain in good standing.

If you are looking to take the first step in your mediation career, or learning how to become a mediator in Tennessee, check out ADR’s arsenal of resources to help you get started.

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Emily Holland
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