Every January, Cardozo hosts a five-day intensive, interactive Representation in Mediation course that introduces students to the essential skills needed for effective client representation in mediation. Every dispute does not result in a trial. In fact, more often than not, the litigants, represented by their respective attorneys, come to an agreement with the help of a mediator. Unlike Cardozo’s Mediation Clinic, which teaches students how to be the mediator, IMAP teaches students what it means to be the attorney during negotiations and mediation. Professors Lela Love and Harold Abramson emphasize the importance of listening, managing emotions, preparing properly, and working in the best interests of the client.
The week concludes with a full day of mediation simulations during which students receive feedback from respected practitioners and scholars in the field. As an added bonus, teams are chosen from among the course participants to represent Cardozo at both the ABA Regional Representation in Mediation Competition and the ICC Commercial Mediation Competition in Paris. Team members are chosen based on their IMAP performance.