Remote Training
Conciliation and DR Training for Judges
Presented by the Trial Court Standing Committee on Dispute Resolution
This remote training introduces attorneys to court-connected conciliation services in the District Court and the Probate and Family Court. Participants will build practical skills, review ethical standards, and learn how to manage the conciliation or JSC process effectively.
Learning Objectives
What You'll Learn
Participants will strengthen their understanding of conciliation, ethical practice, communication strategies, and practical techniques for managing court-connected dispute resolution effectively.
Live Remote Training
Training Schedule
Zoom-Based Program
Day 1
Thursday, June 4, 2026
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Zoom Training Session
Day 2
Thursday, June 11, 2026
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Same Zoom link as Day 1
Zoom Access Information
Participants will receive Zoom access information directly from Timothy M. Linnehan.
Training Materials
Program Resources
Download the agenda, slides, and faculty information for the program.
Training Manual
Conciliation Manual
Download the full manual or review individual chapters by topic.
Chapter 1: Training Overview and Requirements
- About the training
- Trainer and facilitator background information
- Rule 8 conciliator training requirements
- Conciliator skills checklist
Chapter 2: Training and Communication Skills Slides
- Conciliator training slides
- Communication skills slides
Chapter 3: ADR and Conciliation Process
- Glossary of ADR processes
- Conciliation process overview
- ADR spectrum
- Ten Steps to Settlement
Chapter 4: Ethical Standards and Case Scenarios
- Summary of ethical standards
- Hypothetical case scenarios
- Confidentiality in mediation
Chapter 5: Bias, Listening, Interviewing, and Negotiation
- Cognitive barriers and bias
- Active listening techniques
- Negotiation strategies
- Interviewing skills
Chapter 6: Resistance to ADR and Settlement Challenges
- Overcoming resistance to ADR
- Settlement challenges
- Conflict resolution strategies
Chapter 7: Role Play Materials
- Role play exercises
- Fishbowl demonstrations
- Observer questions
Chapter 8: Forms, Guidelines, and Sample Documents
- Sample participation agreements
- Sample reports and forms
- Conciliator guidelines
Supplemental Materials
Handouts, Readings, and Reference Materials
These resources support the training program and provide additional background on conciliation, ethics, bias, and court-connected ADR.
Recommended Starting Points
Conciliation and Court-Connected ADR
Rules, Ethics, and Bias
Practice Skills and Additional Readings
- JSC Introduction
- Breaking Impasses in Judicial Settlement Conferences: 5 Techniques
- Breaking Impasses in Judicial Settlement Conferences: 7 More Techniques
- Concluding a Successful Settlement Conference
- Magistrate Judges’ Important Role in Settling Cases
- Settlement Conference Techniques and Opening Statement
- Settlement Conference Tips for Judgest
- Negotiation Primer
- Questions for Observers
- Bibliography: Books, Articles, and Videos
Role Plays
Use these materials for demonstrations, role play exercises, and participant practice.
District Court Role Plays
Probate & Family Court Role Plays
Checklist and Fishbowl Materials
Videos
Watch the training videos below.
Feedback
Training Evaluation
Please complete the evaluation form after the training. Your feedback helps improve future programs and training materials.
Complete the Training EvaluationContact Information
For questions about conciliation training, training materials, or this webpage, contact:
Timothy M. Linnehan
Josh Hoch
