Douglas H. Ige, District Court Judge of the Second Circuit, completed the Advanced Mediation: Practical Skills and Techniques course September 10-11, 2007 at the National Judicial College (NJC) located at the University of Nevada in Reno. This course is a highly interactive, fast-paced, skills-oriented program designed to provide mediators with the tools to improve their effectiveness.

Participants learn to overcome resistance to the mediation process and to deal with difficult personalities. Utilizing advanced communications techniques and negotiation strategies, participants gain insight into preventing and breaking impasse; learn to identify the nuances of cultural differences and deal with diversity issues; recognize ethical challenges regarding the unauthorized practice of law and dual representation issues; and create well-drafted comprehensive agreements.

Judge Ige’s attendance was supported by a scholarship from the State Justice Institute (SJI), a non-profit organization established by federal law to award grants to improve the quality of justice in state courts, nationwide, facilitate better coordination between state and federal courts, and foster innovative solutions to common problems faced by all courts. More information about the Institute is available on the SJI website at http://www.sji.gov/.

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Contact:Contact Kimberly Lee, 539-4909