The CoRe Conflict Resolution Clinic is a student-run clinic providing low-cost and free mediation services. Student clinicians receive support and advice from experienced mediators and lawyers who volunteer their time to supervise and mentor student clinicians and mediators.
How can you get involved?
Students take on many roles at the CoRe Clinic, and volunteer time commitments vary depending on the role a student chooses. Following is a list of the most common roles played at CoRe; however, we are always open to new ideas and student initiatives. We always need:
1.Clinicians
Clinicians are the first point of contact for clients and/or LSLAPers and others who contact the Clinic for information. Clinicians are often first year students who would like to gain knowledge about mediation and experience in client counseling. Clinicians normally commit to one or two hours per week of office time. While in the office, clinicians on slow shifts may help with other activities such as web site management, public relations, etc. CoRe asks for applications (by email to coreclinic1@gmail.com) for the limited number of available clinician positions – we can only accommodate 10-12 students in these roles while providing appropriate mentoring relationships and supervision.
2.Mediators
Student mediators are necessarily upper year students. They must have taken the Mediation Clinic courses (Law 479 and 480) in second year in order to conduct mediations. CoRe volunteers have priority registration in these courses. Law 479 and 480 provide students with approximately 60 hours of mediation training plus the opportunity to conduct four mentored mediations in Small Claims Court.
3.Public Relations
CoRe depends on volunteers for a wide range of jobs related to ongoing public awareness regarding mediation and the availability of CoRe’s services. Public relations depends on student talents and interests each year, but requires:
- website updating and site maintenance
- distribution of flyers to community centres, libraries, police stations, etc.
- advertising of special events within the law school
- news release drafting and development and placement of other stories related to CoRe’s activities
- social media management
- brainstorming new ideas
4. Fundraising
The CoRe Board is looking for keen students to participate in a variety of tasks, including management of a membership data, participation with Board members in law firm solicitations, and a range of law school-based initiatives. Grant writing opportunities are also available.
5.Newsletter
CoRe has launched a quarterly newsletter and seeks an editor and writers.
6 .Speaker Series
CoRe has run several very successful speaker series, where alternative dispute resolution experts teach about various aspects of ADR ranging from the psychology of conflict to the role of on-line dispute resolution. We need someone to manage registration, coordinate events, and help plan and set up the speakers for 2011.
7. Student Board Members
Two students are elected to the Board of Directors each January. The current student board members are Simone Tielish and Michelle Randall.
8. Credit courses for upper year students
In addition to the Mediation Clinic courses, upper year students can participate in a full year seminar in clinic management or can register for Directed Research credit. In both instances, they may engage in a wide variety of hands-on learning projects including assisting in training and peer supervision.
9. Paid positions with CoRe
The CoRe Board is often able to obtain grants to hire a student coordinator during the summer months, and occasionally to conduct additional projects.
