What is the Practicum Program?

The Practicum Program is designed to provide an opportunity for trained but inexperienced mediators to practice mediation skills in a high quality practicum environment. Practicum mediators participate in 10 Small Claims Court mediations of approximately 2 hours each, and are supervised by highly skilled and experienced mentors. Mentors assist the practicum mediators to prepare for and conduct each mediation, and provide constructive feedback following each mediation. Practicum mediations are scheduled in the mediation registries as listed in Rule 7.2 - Schedule C.

What are the entry qualifications?

Successful applicants will have a minimum of 5 full days of interest-based mediation training, including at least 10 hours of role-playing experience. Two or more courses that provide successive levels of training are acceptable to meet the minimum training requirements; two introductory level courses combined are not acceptable.

When does the next class start?

Classes are scheduled throughout the year depending on volume of applications received and caseload.

How long does it take to complete the practicum?

Length of time to complete the practicum depends upon mediator availability, volume of cases referred to the Program and cancellations of mediations by parties. The average time for completion is 6 to 8 months.

SPECIAL NOTE for applicants accepted into the Island Practicum: Your mediations will be scheduled on the Island and your mandatory orientation sessions/practicum meetings will be held in Vancouver.

How to apply?

To apply for the practicum, complete the application form and send it to the address provided on the application form, with a copy of your résumé, a passport-size photograph, and a cheque for $300. Please make the cheque payable to 'D.R. Innovation Society'.

What is the cost?

The fee for the practicum is $2,625 ($2500 plus 5% GST). A deposit of $300 is required with the application, with the remaining balance of $2325 due upon acceptance to the Practicum Program. If you are unable to participate in the Practicum after being accepted, a request for refund must be made in writing no less than seven days prior to the first mandatory orientation session, and a cancellation fee of $25 will be charged.  Cancellations less than seven days prior to the start of the Practicum will be subject to a charge of $300.  Failure to attend any mandatory orientation session or otherwise complete the Practicum will result in the forfeiture of the full fee unless otherwise decided in the Program Manager’s complete discretion.

Will completion of the practicum qualify me as a Small Claims Mediator?

For those who are interested in working as a Small Claims Mediator, please note that completion of the Court Mediation Practicum Program does not guarantee qualification as a Small Claims Mediator; acceptance will be based on a number of criteria including need for additional mediators.

How to obtain further information?

If you have questions regarding your training qualifications or would like to receive further information, please contact the Court Mediation Program.