Mediation is growing in popularity as many Australians are choosing to try mediation over litigation. It is time our students get the skills they need to resolve conflicts without a courtroom.

The competition is open to Year 9-10 students and so can work as a natural precursor to the Mock Trial Competition in senior years.

Mock Mediation is an initiative of The Law Society of New South Wales assisted by volunteers from the legal profession.

Mock Mediation is a structured problem-solving process designed to encourage the parties to identify the issue in dispute, consider options and work towards an agreement that will meet the needs of all parties. The skills required for mediation are particularly relevant to personal development. They include active listening, self awareness, questioning, analysing, empathising, speaking clearly and logically and creative thinking.

Mediation is based on values such as respect for self and others, accepting difference, personal integrity and a belief that conflict, if handled properly, can result in a change for the better. 

Please note that the 2020 Mock Mediation Competition has been cancelled. The competition will be back in 2021.