Berkeley Judicial Institute presents a free virtual series for students from law schools in the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 9th Judicial Circuits.
Meaningful dialogue with people with whom we disagree is challenging. The ability to communicate productively across differences can transform your career and your professional relationships. This hands-on small group program, designed to attract students across a broad spectrum of viewpoints, aims to help you hone your skills in engaging in conversations that demonstrate and request respect.
With an opportunity to interact with Circuit and District Court judges in a 1:2 judge to student ratio, and with practical exercises led by experienced mediators, this is a program not to be missed!
The program will be held virtually on:
*We seek completed applications by January 8, 2024. APPLY HERE
1 | What is it? A FREE five-part series of participatory workshops led by federal judges, highly skilled mediators, and other guest speakers, with the goal of increasing each participant’s skills in effective, respectful communication on difficult—and sometimes divisive—topics. Presentations and conversations with judges are separate from skills exercises conducted with mediators.
2 | What are the benefits of participating? Small-group interactions with federal judges and professional mediators; increased ability to approach and communicate with others about difficult topics.
3 | When will it take place? Two-hour sessions held on Thursdays: February 29; and March 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm Pacific / 6:00 – 8:00 pm Central / 7:00 – 9:00 pm Eastern.
4| Where will it take place? Over Zoom.
5 | Who can apply? 1L, 2L, and 3L students at law schools within the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Ninth Circuits.
6 | What are the selection criteria? We seek a a small class, with fewer than thirty participants. Participant selection will be based on multiple factors, with an eye to creating a cohort that reflects a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and opinions. Program spaces are limited, so please only apply if you can commit to participate in all five program sessions.
7 | What is the application deadline? January 8, 2024
8 | Will you be sharing my application with anyone? Your candor and demonstrated interest in the program will greatly assist the team in the decision-making process. All of your answers, including your name and basic info, will be kept in full confidence. Only the review team, made up of the mediator faculty and our team at BJI, will have access to your application.
9 | When will I hear if I am selected? Participants will be notified by late January 2024. If you are not selected immediately, you may be placed on a waitlist if space becomes available.
If you have additional questions, please contact Denise Neary at deniseneary@berkeley.edu.
Deadline:
January 8, 2023
Given the nature of this program, we would like to get to know you better. Please tell us as much as you feel comfortable telling us (as explained above, your application will be confidential). We are looking for sincerity, interest, and a willingness to participate fully, not polished writing skills.
If you have any questions, please contact Denise Neary at deniseneary@berkeley.edu.