On 5-7 October 2022 a training for judges in mediation with elements of mindfulness took place at the Fabryka Wełny Hotel & Spa in Pabianice (near Warsaw) organised by: Polish ProMediation & ProWellness Foundation of Suwałki, the Polish section of the European Association of Judges for Mediation GEMME, and the San Francisco-based Weinstein International Foundation for the Promotion of Mediation. The training was attended by 46 judges from various court circuits, who emerged as leaders in referring cases to mediation for 2020-2021.
The training covered, among others, the following topics:
• Good mediation practices in the US courts using the courts of New Jersey and New York as an example.
• Good mediation practices in the courts of European Union countries.
• How to refer cases to mediation in Poland? Tools useful for referring a case to mediation.
• Judge mindfulness and bodywork as methods of preventing professional burnout.
During the training, participants acquired knowledge and skills on both referrals to mediation and mediation sessions, including the techniques used by mediators to support the parties to settle. They then had the opportunity to put their skills into practice during mock mediation sessions.
In addition, participants learnt about the elements of mindfulness in the work of a judge, as well as practising morning yoga and relaxation exercises, including breathing practices.
The training proved to be an excellent platform for the exchange of experiences and mutual inspiration between participants.
The lecturers at the training were Judges (Daniel Weinstein, Rebecca Westerfield, Rosalia Fernandez Alaya, Avi Schneebalg, Agnieszka Owczarewicz, Monika Włodarczyk) and Mediators (Robert E. Margulies, Esq., Katarzyna Przyłuska - Ciszewska)
In the photo, from left to right: Bob Margulies, Avi Schneebalg, Monika Włodarczyk, Agnieszka Owczarewicz and Katarzyna Przyłuska Ciszewska.
