Introduction
Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms have never been of greater importance than they are at present. In particular, mediation and access to qualified mediators are becoming a key feature of the Irish legal system. This is in part thanks to the coming into force of the Mediation Act, 2017.
The course is accredited by King’s Inns and the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (the MII).
King’s Inns will run this course repeatedly throughout the year, with the next course running from Friday, October 3, 2025.
Application Deadline: Thursday, 18 September 2025.
AIMS & OUTCOMES
This Advanced Diploma will equip participants with the practical skills required to act as a mediator in a range of circumstances.
The course objectives are to enable participants to:
Distinguish between different styles of, and contexts for, mediation while also knowing when a dispute is suitable for mediation;
Apply the process phases of mediation in practice;
Learn and exercise appropriate communication skills in mediation;
Describe and apply conflict theory to the practice of mediation;
Know the foundation concepts of mediation and contrast same with other ADR mechanisms;
Explain and apply the Mediation Act, 2017 and other relevant sources of law; and
Recognise and respond to ethical issues in mediation.
COURSE CONTENT
In–person teaching will take place on the following dates:
Tuesday, February 4 – evening introduction session, online via Zoom. Self–study in the period before the next in–person session
Friday, February 7 – full day, in–person
Friday, February 14– full day, in–person
Friday, February 21– full day, in–person
Friday, February 28 – full day, in–person
Friday, March 7– full day, in–person
Friday, March 14 – full day, in–person
Date TBC: recorded assessments to take place after the conclusion of all classroom sessions.
Attendance is compulsory as ALL SESSIONS are designed to practise and hone skills, provide feedback and develop participants to be able to practise as professional mediators in a range of settings.
This course will have 60 hours of study, 20 hours of self–directed study / reading material, and 40 hours of in–person teaching, including roleplay delivered at the compulsory weekend sessions.
Reading materials will be shared through our Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle). Before attending live classes, students on the course will be required to read the course manual and review online lectures and other resources. Online tutorials and IT support are available to help students navigate their way through our library and legal resource databases.
King’s Inns is built on networking and engagement. Over the year, we invite students and alumni to attend and participate in various social events, fireside chats and talks. Events take place either online or in–person. All of this contributes to the learning experience that is King’s Inns.
This course will cover key topics including:
Conflict
Mediation
Process phases of Mediation
Mediation and communication skills
Use of negotiation skills, tactics and strategies
Regulation of Mediation and related issues
Ethical principles of Mediation
Online mediation
To ensure the high quality of course delivery, the number of participants on the workshops will be limited and skills practise will be in groups of no more than four participants.
Please note the course content is subject to change in accordance with new developments in this area.
Previous Speakers
Who is the course for?
This course attracts lawyers as well as non–legal professionals. Whether you would like to be equipped to mediate a formal legal dispute, or a dispute between work colleagues, members or volunteers of a club, society or other body, this course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to mediate.
Having a diverse group of professionals studying this course together allows participants to learn from each other, especially during tutorials and Q&A sessions.
COURSE DESIGNER AND LEAD LECTURER
The designers and lead lecturers of the course are barristers and accredited mediators Cathrina Keville BL and Teresa Blake SC.
Assessment & ACCREDITATION
This is a professional development course and it is accredited independently by The Honorable Society of King’s Inns and also by the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (the MII). The skills and competence gained in studying at King’s Inns are transferable, portable and recognised internationally. It is a valuable qualification delivered by distinguished lawyers, members of the judiciary, legal and other practitioners specialising in legal education.
To be awarded the Advanced Diploma, a participant is required to successfully complete assessments.
The assessment methodology for this course is under review for 2025-2026 learners. It is possible that learners will be required to undertake an in-person examination at King’s Inns. We will update this webpage once arrangements are finalised.
Candidates who successfully complete the course and assessment will be eligible to apply for membership of the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (the MII).
CONTENT DELIVERY
Friday, October 3 – evening introduction session, online via Zoom. Self–study in the period before the next in–person session.
Saturday, October 11 – full day, in–person
Saturday, October 18– full day, in–person
Saturday, November 1– full day, in–person
Saturday, November 8– full day, in–person
Saturday, November 15– full day, in–person
Saturday, November 22 – full day, in–person
Date TBC: recorded assessments to take place after the conclusion of all classroom sessions.
Attendance is compulsory as ALL SESSIONS are designed to practise and hone skills, provide feedback and develop participants to be able to practise as professional mediators in a range of settings.
This course will have 60 hours of study, 20 hours of self–directed study / reading material, and 40 hours of in–person teaching, including roleplay delivered at the compulsory weekend sessions.
Reading materials will be shared through our Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle). Before attending live classes, students on the course will be required to read the course manual and review online lectures and other resources. Online tutorials and IT support are available to help students navigate their way through our library and legal resource databases.
King’s Inns is built on networking and engagement. Over the year, we invite students and alumni to attend and participate in various social events, fireside chats and talks. Events take place either online or in–person. All of this contributes to the learning experience that is King’s Inns.
This course will cover key topics including:
Conflict
Mediation
Process phases of Mediation
Mediation and communication skills
Use of negotiation skills, tactics and strategies
Regulation of Mediation and related issues
Ethical principles of Mediation
Online mediation
To ensure the high quality of course delivery, the number of participants on the workshops will be limited and skills practise will be in groups of no more than four participants.
Please note the course content is subject to change in accordance with new developments in this area.
Previous Speakers
APPLY HERE
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Application Deadline: Thursday, 18 September 2025.
Places on this course are limited, and it is often over–subscribed. We have a selection criterion in place, and you are required to submit certain documentation to support your application.
All applicants will be asked to demonstrate suitability for the course by writing a short personal statement about why they believe they are suitable, as well as their motivation for taking the course. This may include reference to the applicant’s qualifications and / or previous or current work experience relevant to the course.
Optional: A certified copy of your academic and professional achievements. If you are a qualified barrister in the State it is not necessary to supply this information.
Optional: Additional Supporting Information – formal verification/letter of support from your employer / appointing body of current or previous appointment(s), where applicable.
Documents may be submitted in the following formats: pdf, png, gif, jpg, jpeg. The maximum allowed size for each document is 20MB.
download the personal statement template >
HOW DO I APPLY?
In order to verify your personal details, you must first create an account on the Application Portal through the ‘register and apply here’ button below. Once you verify your email address in the Portal, you can then proceed with your application.
Acceptance on this course will not be notified on a rolling basis. If you have been accepted, your place on the course will not be secured until payment is received in full. It is advised to pay as soon as you get accepted.
Payment can be made through the Application Portal using your credit or debit card (please make sure your bank allows you to process the full payment in one go), or
If your employer is paying for your studies, you will require a valid PO number in advance of making the application, the name and email address for the person responsible for payment in your organisation.
The invoice will issue directly to the person whose details you enter. The participant will also be able to download a copy of the invoice through the Application Portal. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their employer has paid in full within the timeframe required in order to secure a place. King’s Inns cannot contact your employer for payment, we can only liaise with the applicant.
An automated payment receipt will be generated confirming your place on the course.
Subscribing members: You must apply your discount code upon application. It cannot be applied after the application is made.
You should view the fee structure, payment terms, and other charges here >
Barrister–at–Law graduates who are subscribing members to King’s Inns receive a 10% discount on this course. You must receive your discount code before applying. View more information here >
