Mediation is getting closer to the paralegal community
Mediation Becomes More Accessible to the Paralegal Community
The Ukrainian Academy of Mediation recently hosted an online event titled “Mediation Tools in Paralegal Activities,” bringing together paralegals from across Ukraine. Participants explored the principles, benefits, and tools of mediation as an effective approach to peaceful conflict resolution.
Who is a Paralegal?
A paralegal is a professional with foundational legal knowledge who assists communities in resolving simple legal issues. Their key roles include:
- Providing advice;
- Promoting legal awareness among citizens;
- Referring individuals to professional lawyers when necessary.
Why is Mediation Important?
Participants emphasized that mediation offers several advantages, including:
- Saving time and resources;
- Preserving relationships between parties;
- Facilitating effective dialog during conflict resolution processes.
Practical Tools for Paralegals
Valentyna Duka, the webinar’s speaker, detailed essential mediation techniques such as:
- Active listening;
- Paraphrasing;
- Question formulation;
- Summarizing and other strategies that support constructive dialog.
About the “CONSENT” Project
The event was conducted as part of the “CONSENT: Enhancing the Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Ukraine with a Focus on Mediation” project, implemented by the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation with financial support from the European Union.