Mediation advocacy is a distinct professional discipline that requires more than litigation instincts or general negotiation skills. It demands a deep understanding of the mediation process, strategic advisory competence, ethical judgment, and the ability to support clients in achieving durable, interest-based outcomes within a facilitated consensus-building framework.
At PracticeForte, mediation advocacy is taught and assessed as a practice-focused professional competency, grounded in internationally recognised standards and reflective of real-world mediation dynamics. Our Mediation Advocacy training pathway forms the basis of PracticeForte’s IMI-recognised Mediation Advocate Qualified Assessment Programme (MA-QAP) and is designed to prepare participants for competent practice as mediation advocates, as well as eligibility for submission for IMI Certified Mediation Advocate status, where applicable.
The programme is structured in two progressive certifications:
- Foundation Certificate in Mediation Advocacy
- Professional Certificate in Mediation Advocacy
Foundation Certificate in Mediation Advocacy
The Foundation Certificate in Mediation Advocacy is a three-day intensive programme designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge, skills, and frameworks required to function effectively as a mediation advocate.
This programme focuses on the role of the advocate within mediation, distinguishing mediation advocacy from adversarial litigation and conventional negotiation. Participants develop a working understanding of the mediation process, client engagement, mediator selection, and negotiation within mediation, while learning to advise clients strategically on options, risks, and outcomes.
The Foundation Certificate serves as the mandatory entry-level qualification for mediation advocates seeking progression within PracticeForte’s MA-QAP framework.
Key Benefits Include:
- Clear understanding of mediation advocacy roles and responsibilities
- Practical exposure to mediation-specific negotiation strategies
- Foundational competence aligned with IMI Mediation Advocacy Standards
- Eligibility to progress to advanced professional assessment
Who Should Attend:
- Lawyers and in-house counsel advising clients in mediation
- Dispute resolution professionals supporting mediated processes
- Legal practitioners transitioning from litigation to ADR
- Professionals intending to act as mediation advocates or advisors
- IMI Certified Mediators seeking formal advocacy training
Programme Outline
Core content areas include:
- Mediation regimes under Singapore law
- SCMA–IMI Mediation Advocacy Standards
- The mediation process and mediator roles
- The role of lawyers and advocates in mediation
- Client engagement and preparation for mediation
- Mediator selection considerations
- Negotiation within mediation
- ATNAs (BATNA, WATNA, PATNA, RATNA)
- Mediation agreements and settlement documentation
Learning is delivered through:
- Moderated role-play exercises
- Group discussions and facilitated reflections
- Fish-bowl demonstrations by trainers and faculty
- Negotiation simulations and guided debriefs
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:
- Advise clients on mediation procedures, goals, and strategic options
- Apply ATNA frameworks effectively in mediation contexts
- Communicate constructively with opposing parties and advocates
- Select and work appropriately with mediators
- Conduct negotiations aligned with mediation principles
- Draft clear and effective settlement agreements
- Negotiation within mediation
- ATNAs (BATNA, WATNA, PATNA, RATNA)
- Mediation agreements and settlement documentation
Assessment Benchmarks
Assessment components:
- Written MCQ assessment (pass mark: 65%)
- Observed role-play performance, demonstrating competence in:
- ATNA analysis and application
- Client advisory capability
- Communication and negotiation effectiveness
- Mediator engagement and settlement drafting
Assessments are conducted in line with IMI MA-QAP knowledge and skills expectations.
- Mediation regimes under Singapore law
- SCMA–IMI Mediation Advocacy Standards
- The mediation process and mediator roles
- The role of lawyers and advocates in mediation
- Client engagement and preparation for mediation
- Mediator selection considerations
- Negotiation within mediation
- ATNAs (BATNA, WATNA, PATNA, RATNA)
- Mediation agreements and settlement documentation
Entry Requirements
- No prior mediation advocacy certification required
- Legal or dispute-resolution related professional background recommended
- IMI Certified Mediators may be exempted from certain experience requirements
Professional Certificate in Mediation Advocacy
The Professional Certificate in Mediation Advocacy is a four-day advanced programme that builds on foundational competence and focuses on complex mediation advocacy practice.
This programme addresses advanced strategy, ethical dilemmas, cross-cultural and cross-border mediation contexts, and sophisticated negotiation dynamics. Participants are trained to manage high-stakes mediations, shifting from adversarial postures to collaborative problem-solving, while maintaining effective client control and strategic clarity.
Completion of this certificate satisfies the advanced assessment requirements under PracticeForte’s IMI MA-QAP.
Key Benefits Include:
- Advanced mediation advocacy capability in complex disputes
- Structured assessment against IMI competency benchmarks
- Enhanced readiness for IMI Mediation Advocate certification submission
- Development of reflective and ethical professional judgment
Who Should Attend:
- Experienced lawyers and mediation advocates
- Practitioners regularly advising clients in mediation
- Professionals involved in cross-border or high-value disputes
- Graduates of the Foundation Certificate in Mediation Advocacy
Participants with at least 10 years’ experience as a lawyer or mediation advocate may be exempted from the Foundation Certificate, subject to review.
Programme Outline
Core content areas include:
- Advanced mediation advocacy roles and strategies
- Transitioning from combative to collaborative approaches
- Advanced mediation dynamics and “killer arguments”
- Ethical dilemmas in mediation advocacy
- Cross-cultural and intercultural mediation sensibilities
- Securing and maintaining party control in mediation
- Advanced ATNA construction and defence
- Game theory and negotiation counter-strategies
- Evaluative mediation and resistance strategies
- Online, appellate, and cross-border mediation advocacy
Learning is delivered through:
- Advanced role-play simulations
- Faculty-led demonstrations and critiques
- Structured peer review and reflective discussions
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:
- Formulate and execute information-sharing strategies
- Distinguish and communicate interests versus positions
- Conduct reality-testing and option evaluation with clients
- Work strategically with mediators
- Coach and prepare clients effectively for mediation
- Apply advanced communication and negotiation techniques
- Manage mediation processes, including caucus decisions and closure
Assessment Benchmarks
Assessment components:
- Drafting exercise (e.g. mediation opening statement)
- Reflective Learning Journal (approximately 1,500 words)
- Observed role-play assessment, evaluating:
- Strategic information management
- Client coaching and preparedness
- Process control and ethical judgment
- Advanced negotiation and option creation
These assessments are aligned with IMI’s Core Competency Knowledge and Practical Skills expectations under the MA-QAP framework.
Entry Requirements
- Completion of the Foundation Certificate in Mediation Advocacy
or
- Minimum 10 years’ experience as a lawyer or mediation advocate (subject to review)
- Demonstrable interest or involvement in mediation advocacy practice