Master proven negotiation and mediation strategies to de-escalate conflict, protect valuable relationships, and achieve fair settlements without the high cost of a courtroom battle.
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) has become an integral part of Australia's civil justice system, with courts, tribunals and regulatory frameworks increasingly requiring parties to explore resolution before commencing litigation. Legal practitioners must understand not only the legislative and procedural requirements governing ADR, but also how to select the most appropriate dispute resolution process, effectively represent clients, and achieve practical, commercially sound outcomes without resorting to court proceedings.
This practical course provides a comprehensive framework for advising clients through the full spectrum of non-litigious dispute resolution. Participants will examine genuine steps obligations, court-directed ADR, contractual dispute resolution clauses, mediation and conciliation processes, negotiation strategies, settlement agreements, and the circumstances in which litigation remains the most appropriate option. The session equips practitioners with practical tools to confidently manage disputes while preserving relationships, minimizing costs, and meeting professional and regulatory obligations.
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Mediation & Conflict Resolution Trainer | Director Mediation Institute
Joanne Law has spent her career helping people resolve conflict without going to court. She's a nationally accredited advanced mediator in Australia and the Director of Mediation Institute, one of the country's leading providers of mediation training and professional accreditation. Joanne trains and mentors mediators working across family disputes, workplace conflict, and community disputes, and is known for making dispute resolution skills practical and easy to apply — not abstract theory. She supports the mediation sector in volunteer board positions with Mediators Beyond Borders Oceania and Interact Support Inc. Her course, Respectful Resolution Without Litigation, draws on this experience to help participants understand the reason why mediation works and the general principal of "Agreements are always better than Orders" applies. Respectful resolution, everyday skills for resolving conflict calmly and constructively — in families, workplaces, or community groups — without the cost and damage of legal proceedings. Based in regional Victoria, Australia, Joanne is passionate about helping people handle disagreement, disputes and conflict before it escalates into litigation.
