Meeting Rule 8’s training requirements for mediators
MCLE is pleased to present this four-day, thirty-hour Workshop designed specifically for training mediators with knowledge of basic divorce law. ( Print Brochure )
Rule 8 of the Uniform Rules on Dispute Resolution provides system-wide standards for court-connected alternative dispute resolution services in Massachusetts. Rule 8’s guidelines establish training, evaluation, mentoring, and continuing education requirements for mediators, among others. Who needs Rule 8 training? Mediators, guardian ad litems, parenting coordinators, arbitrators, case evaluators, conciliators, neutrals for mini-trials and summary jury trials, and dispute intervenors. Without the training, you can’t be on the list!
What’s covered? ( Agenda and Materials )
This in-person Workshop trains mediators in divorce, custody and parenting plans, support, paternity, and other family law matters. It enables you to serve as a family law mediator in compliance with state requirements.
Special focus
The emphasis is on interactive participation in a facilitative mediation model and “learning by doing.” The training blends theory and practice to enhance the performance of trainees. A variety of learning techniques cater to individual learning styles. Lecture and role-play sessions cover basic considerations in the types of issues that arise in family law disputes addressed by mediation.
Registration notes ( Print Brochure )
- Space is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
- Cancel by the end of the business day prior to the first day of the workshop and we’ll refund your tuition minus a $100 processing fee.
- This limited-enrollment program is not included in the MCLE OnlinePass.
Time & Place: Monday, 2/23/2026-Wednesday, 3/25/2026, 8:30am-5:00pm; Thursday, 2/26/2026, 8:30am-3:30pm, MCLE Conference Center, Ten Winter Place, Boston.
Faculty
- Hon. Brian J. Dunn, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
- Kate Fanger, Esq., Kate Fanger Mediation, Belmont
- Devlin T. Farmer, Esq., Northampton
- Jonathan E. Fields, Esq., Fields and Dennis LLP, Wellesley
- John A. Fiske, Esq., Healy Fiske LLP, Waltham
- Dr. Jessica P. Greenwald O’Brien, Natick
- Jennifer Hatch, Esq., J. Hatch Law LLC, S. Natick
- Jennifer SG Hawthorne Kelsey, Esq., Skylark Law & Mediation, Southborough
- David A. Hoffman, Esq., Boston
- Law Collaborative LLC, Boston
- Alexander D. Jones, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP, Needham
- Timothy Linnehan, Esq., Trial Court/Administrative Office, Boston
- Barbara L. Nason, Esq., Tracey, Roman & Ramos PC, Wellesley Hills
- Amanda Shuman, Esq., Kelly & Murstein Family Law, Wellesley Hills
- Pedro Spivakovsky-Gonzalez, Boston
- Sonja Starins, Esq., Sheehan, Schiavoni, Jutras & Magliocchetti, LLP, Haverhill
- Ellen R. Waldorf, Esq., eWaldorf Mediation, Newton Upper Falls
Fees
- $1,165.50 – MCLE Sponsor Member
- $971.25 – New Lawyer
- $971.25 – Pending Admittee
- $1,295.00 – All Others
- To apply for a need-based scholarship for this program, email scholarships@mcle.org.
