2025 Meditation Training Program

2025 Meditation Training Program

CLE Program

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*Please note all times are in Central Time. Schedule is subject to change.

Learn more about the faculty here.

Pre-Work

Please read and work through the following so you are prepared before heading to Chicago:

  • Advanced Mediation Tips and the ABCs of Mediating
    Jeff Brend, Principal, Levin & Brend, P.C
    • Overview of mediation, including discussion of key concepts, stages and the roles of participants.
    • Discussion of practical tips and strategies to navigate mediation effectively.
  • Virtual Mediations
    Jonathon Fields, Founding Partner, Fields and Dennis LLP
    • Discussion of how to effectively adapt family mediations to a virtual format.
    • Addresses both the technical and human/relational challenges that arise in online sessions.
    • Highlight of best practices for maintaining engagement, managing emotions and ensuring confidentiality in a virtual environment.
  • Mediation Styles
    Barbara Burr, Founding Principal, Burr Law Firm
    • Exploration of the primary styles of mediation, including transformative, facilitative and evaluative.
    • Highlights core features and differences between the styles.
    • Discussion of when and how each style may be most effective.
  • Mediation Tools in the Toolbox
    Barbara Burr, Founding Principal, Burr Law Firm
    • Overview of essential tools and techniques used to facilitate effective mediation.
    • Discussion of when and how each tool or technique may be most effective.
    • Real life demonstrations and examples of how to use the tools and techniques in mediation of family matters.

8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Introducing Mediation Tenets and Mediation Opening
David Horowitz, Partner, Warner Angle Hallam Jackson & Formanek PLC and Jeff Brend, Principal, Levin & Brend, P.C

  • Discussion of key components of mediator’s opening discussion with clients/attorneys.
  • Overview of general tenets and approach to mediation.
  • Demonstration and interactive discussion of mediation opening.

9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Break

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Mediation Mentality
Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman and Elizabeth Hill, The Hill Law Firm, P.C. 

  • Discussion of the mediator’s mindset (and comparison to other roles, such as judge, advocate, etc.)
  • Overview of the benefits of mediation resolutions and the definition of success in mediation.
  • Review of the core components of mediation and the importance of each, including defining what is to be mediated; the roles of the participants including the clients, attorneys, others; the authority/role of the mediator and responsibilities for setting the container and rules of engagement; scheduling and pacing of sessions.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Dealing with Impasse
Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman and David Hazel, Attorney at Law, David Hazel Mediation

  • Discussion of how to recognize impasse
  • Review of techniques to address and resolve impasse, including building on wins, taking issues in bites/chunks, bridge proposals, reality testing, engaging clients to solve impasse, mediator-generated proposals, discussion of alternatives to mediated resolution.
  • Interactive discussion and examples.

12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Lunch Break

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Preparing the Participants for Mediations (Working Lunch)
Jonathon Fields, Founding Partner, Fields and Dennis LLP

  • Discussion of how to distinguish participants who are ready to mediate and those who are not.
  • Tips to address clients not ready to mediate (not informed).
  • Discussion of how to engage participants who do not have mediation mindset.

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. | Deception and Detecting if People are Telling the Truth
Mario Ventrelli, Partner, Ventrelli Simon LLC

  • Discussion of how to recognize signs of dishonesty and deception.
  • Discussion of techniques to spot inconsistencies, assess credibility and read verbal and nonverbal cues.
  • Discussion of how to create an environment and ask questions that encourage honesty.

2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Establishing the Size of the Box
David Horowitz, Partner, Warner Angle Hallam Jackson & Formanek PLC

  • Discussion of the roles and limits of mediation and negotiated solutions.
  • How to use the “size of the box” as a mediation tool/technique.
  • Discussion of the role of “fairness” and the midpoint between offers in finding compromise resolutions.
  • Discussion of the roles of participants (clients, lawyers, mediator) in devising solutions that work.

2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Break

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Screening for Domestic Violence
Michelle Acuña, LCSW and Dr. Kara Anast, PsyD Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Counseling Connections

  • Discussion of how to screen for the presence of domestic violence, coercive control and power imbalances in mediation clients.
  • Discussion of the safety concerns, ethical and legal issues and the overall effectiveness versus the potential risks of mediation in the presence of intimate partner violence.
  • Review of practical tools and techniques to ensure that mediation is appropriate and safe in the face of IPV concerns, including specific safeguards, such as trained professionals working as a team with a robust safety plan in place.

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Role Play/Observation – Mediation Open
Jonathon Fields, Founding Partner, Fields and Dennis LLP and Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman 

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. | Negotiating and Generating Options
Jeff Brend, Principal, Levin & Brend, P.C and Elizabeth Hill, The Hill Law Firm P.C.

  • Discussion of mediator’s approaches to generating options.
  • Exploration of how and when to use different approaches as relates to the mediation style (e.g. Facilitative v Evaluative approaches).
  • Practical tips on how to capture options (e.g., flip charts, mediator’s notes, etc.)

8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Listening Skills
Michelle Acuña, LCSW and Dr. Kara Anast, PsyD Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Counseling Connections

  • Discussion of the role of listening as a powerful, core mediation tool and techniques.
  • Practice guidance regarding how to listen effectively and successfully as a mediator.
  • Learn how to listen so that clients to feel heard and how that leads to progress in the negotiation.

9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Break

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Dealing with Complex Parenting Situations
David Horowitz, Partner, Warner Angle Hallam Jackson & Formanek PLC

  • Discussion of how mediators can effectively navigate complex parenting situations, including high-conflict dynamics, special needs or blended family challenges.
  • Interactive discussion of tools that help to manage emotion-laden discussions, promote child-centered agreements and support co-parenting solutions that reflect the family’s unique circumstances.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Role Play – Conducting Mediation
Jonathon Fields, Founding Partner, Fields and Dennis LLP, Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman and Elizabeth Hill, The Hill Law Firm, P.C. 

12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Lunch Break

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | To Caucus or Not to Caucus (Working Lunch)
David Hazel, Attorney at Law, David Hazel Mediation, David Horowitz, Partner, Warner Angle Hallam Jackson & Formanek PLC and Elizabeth Hill, The Hill Law Firm, P.C. 

  • Discussion of factors to consider when deciding whether to caucus, including conflict dynamics, communication patterns and power and other relational imbalances.
  • Discussion of the implications of using a caucus and how to minimize negative implications when using caucus.

1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Working With and Without Lawyers
Jeff Brend, Principal, Levin & Brend, P.C and Elizabeth Hill, The Hill Law Firm P.C.

  • Discussion of how to adapt mediation when lawyers are present or absent.
  • Discussion of ethical considerations and importance of maintaining proper boundaries as a mediator when lawyers are not present.
  • Practical guidance on mediation agreements used with client both with and without lawyers present.

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Mental Health Impairments
Michelle Acuña, LCSW and Dr. Kara Anast, PsyD Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Counseling Connections

  • Overview of common mental health disorders in family mediations.
  • Discussion of how mental health disorders can affect parenting, decision-making and participation in mediation.
  • Practical tips on how to mediate when participants present mental health concerns or disorders, including personality disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders and high conflict personalities.

3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Break

3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Implicit Bias
Michelle Acuña, LCSW and Dr. Kara Anast, PsyD Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Counseling Connections

  • Overview of the presence of implicit bias in professionals and participants.
  • Examination of the role of implicit bias in mediation and its impact on communication, decision-making and the success of the mediation process.
  • Exploration of how to increase awareness of mediator’s biases and how to foster a sense of trust and fairness in the process, including with families of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Role Play/Observation – Custody Parenting
Jonathon Fields, Founding Partner, Fields and Dennis LLP and Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Dine Arounds

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. | Mechanics of Reaching Agreements
David Horowitz, Partner, Warner Angle Hallam Jackson & Formanek PLC and Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman

  • Discussion of the process for reaching mediated agreements both when attorneys are present and when they are not.
  • Practical tips for maintaining momentum in the mediation process, including tools for capturing partial or tentative agreements such as the use of term sheets, interim agreements and summaries.
  • Practical discussion of jurisdiction-specific rules regarding enforceable agreements.

8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Role Play/Observation – Mechanics of Parenting Agreements
Jonathon Fields, Founding Partner, Fields and Dennis LLP and Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman

9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Break

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Understanding Financial Statements
John Christensen, CFA, CPA/ABV/CFF, ASA, CFE

  • Overview of basic accounting principles and knowledge of financial statements relevant for family mediation
  • Exploration of how to identify and interpret income, expenses, assets and liabilities to better facilitate informed financial discussions

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Simplifying Business Valuation for the Participants
Jeff Brend, Principal, Levin & Brend, P.C and John Christensen, CFA, CPA/ABV/CFF, ASA, CFE

  • Discussion of how to demystify business valuation.
  • Exploration of how to break down business valuation concepts into clear, accessible terms.
  • Discuss how to approach process options to help facilitate informed and clear discussions regarding business interests in divorce.

12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Lunch Break

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Executive Compensation Challenges (Working Lunch)
John Christensen, CFA, CPA/ABV/CFF, ASA, CFE and Greg Papiernik

  • Overview of the complexities of executive compensation including bonuses, deferred comp, stock options, restricted stock grants and other non-traditional compensation programs and benefits.
  • Discussion of how to identify, understand and facilitate informed negotiations around these challenging and often valuable financial assets.

1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Developing and Explaining a Marital Balance Sheet
Jeff Brend, Principal, Levin & Brend, P.C and Caroline Overman

  • Discussion of how to develop and clearly explain a marital balance sheet to help parties understand their assets, debts and proposed divisions.
  • Exploration of practical tools for organizing financial information, promoting transparency and supporting informed decision-making through clear financial schedules.

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Dealing with Complex Financial Solutions
Jeff Brend, Principal, Levin & Brend, P.C, John Christensen, CFA, CPA/ABV/CFF, ASA, CFE and Michelle Acuña, LCSW

  • Exploration of complex financial situations, such as commingled funds, business interests, tax implications, contingent or hidden assets.
  • Discussion of strategies to clarify entangled or murky financial issues, including retaining experts or working with a financial mediator.
  • Addresses the 2017 Tax Act as well as future potential changes in tax codes relevant to divorce and support issues.

3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. | Break

3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Developing a Mediation Practice
David Hazel, Attorney at Law, David Hazel Mediation, Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman and Elizabeth Hill, The Hill Law Firm P.C.

  • Exploration of how to develop and grow a successful part- or full-time mediation practice.
  • Practical tips for building a referral network and book of business, defining a niche and managing client and professional relationships.
  • Discussion of practical concerns such as business planning, financial considerations, ethical issues, scheduling, maintaining professional balance and avoiding burn-out.

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Maintenance and Child Support Options
David Horowitz, Partner, Warner Angle Hallam Jackson & Formanek PLC

  • Exploration of various approaches and options to address questions of alimony, spousal support and maintenance, child support and child-expense sharing.
  • Discussion of the role of guideline calculations, deviations and creativity in forming agreements.
  • Interactive discussion of tools for facilitating discussions that consider legal standards, financial and practical realities and the needs of the parties and the children.

5:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. | Break

5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Role Play/Observation – Financial
Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Dine Arounds

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. | Dealing with Misbehavior in Mediations
Dr. Kara Anast, PsyD Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Counseling Connections, David Horowitz, Partner, Warner Angle Hallam Jackson & Formanek PLC and Elizabeth Hill, The Hill Law Firm, P.C.

  • Discussion of approaches and strategies for managing misbehavior, disruptions and high-conflict dynamics during mediation, including efforts to intimidate or manipulate, actions that rush or delay the process, and emotional outbursts.
  • Exploration of tools to maintain control over the process, set clear boundaries and create safe and respectful environments that nurture productive dialogue and negotiation.

8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Clarification of Issues
David Hazel, Attorney at Law, David Hazel Mediation and Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman

  • Discussion of skills and techniques to clarify and define the issues that need to be resolved in family mediation.
  • Exploration of the use of “clarification of the issues” as a mediation tool and technique that nurtures problem-solving approaches and the generation of successful options.
  • Attention to techniques to organize complex concerns that help guide parties toward informed, productive conversations.

9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Break

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Re-Framing Skills
Jeff Brend, Principal, Levin & Brend, P.C and Dr. Kara Anast, PsyD Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Counseling Connections

  • Discussion of the skill of reframing issues to shift perspectives, clarify issues, tease out underlying concerns, and promote productive conversations.
  • Interactive discussion and practical guidance regarding how to transform closed, positional statements into more flexible, productive options.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Memorialization of Agreements
David Horowitz, Partner, Warner Angle Hallam Jackson & Formanek PLC and Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman

  • Discussion of the process for recording mediated agreements both when attorneys are present and when they are not.
  • Discussion of the use of term sheets, summaries and interim agreements.
  • Discussion of concerns and considerations regarding drafting settlement agreements.
  • Practical discussion of jurisdiction-specific rules regarding enforceable agreements.

12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Lunch Break

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Tactics and Tips
David Hazel, Attorney at Law, David Hazel Mediation, David Horowitz, Partner, Warner Angle Hallam Jackson & Formanek PLC and Elizabeth Hill, The Hill Law Firm, P.C. 

  • Review of tools, tactics, strategies and tips used in family mediation.
  • Interactive discussion of when and how to use particular tools and tips.

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. | Use of Outside Resources
Jeff Brend, Principal, Levin & Brend, P.C and Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman

  • Discussion of why and when a mediator might benefit from bringing in outside resources in family mediation.
  • Overview of the types of outside resources commonly used.
  • Discussion of financial resources including financial professionals, business evaluators, real estate or other appraisers.
  • Discussion of mental health resources in parenting disputes.

2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. | Ethics Rules/Guidelines for Mediators
David Horowitz, Partner, Warner Angle Hallam Jackson & Formanek PLC, Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman and Elizabeth Hill, The Hill Law Firm P.C.

  • In-depth review of the ethical rules and guidelines governing mediation and family mediation in particular.
  • Discussion of jurisdiction-specific rules and family-specific rules.
  • Discussion of how to navigate ethical challenges, maintain professional integrity and ensure a fair and unbiased mediation process.

3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Break

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Role Play/Observation – Misbehavior and Ethics
David Hazel, Attorney at Law, David Hazel Mediation and Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Dine Arounds

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