Harvard Mediation Program Information

Established in 1981, the Harvard Mediation Program (HMP) is part of the Harvard Negotiation and Mediation Clinical Program. HMP provides mediation training to Harvard Law School (HLS) students and to community members. HMP members mediate court cases in metropolitan Boston as well as conflicts between disputing parties outside of the legal system. THE EDUCATIONAL MISSION OF HMP IS: * to provide HLS students with comprehensive and ongoing training in the theory and skills needed for effective mediation; * to provide HLS students opportunities to apply and teach the theory and skills needed for effective mediation; * to provide opportunities for HLS students to learn and practice mediation with members of the community for the purpose of sharing diverse perspectives and experience; * to provide a forum in which mediators can exchange experiences and ideas related to mediation; * to provide a forum for the collection and dissemination of current information related to mediation; and * to maintain an environment that nurtures academic and personal growth. THE SERVICE MISSION OF HMP IS: * to provide a fair and effective process in which disputing members of the community can resolve their own differences; * to provide effective mediation services to all parties, regardless of their ability to pay; * to provide effective mediation services to local courts and communities; * to educate local courts and communities regarding mediation and effective conflict resolution skills; * to provide opportunities for volunteers from outside HLS to learn and practice mediation; * to provide a forum for mediators to exchange ideas; and * to maintain administrative procedures that foster systematic documentation of work and ready access to Program resources.