Harvard Mediation Program

The overall mission of the HMP is:

to enhance the education of Harvard Law School (HLS) students and other members of the Mediation Program by providing multiple and diverse opportunities to learn, practice and teach mediation; and
to serve the community by developing, promoting and providing effective mediation services.

The educational mission of the HMP is:

to provide HLS students with comprehensive and ongoing training in the theory and skills needed for effective mediation;
to provide HLS students opportunities to apply and teach the theory and skills needed for effective mediation;
to provide opportunities for HLS students to learn and practice mediation with members of the community for the purpose of sharing diverse perspectives and experience;
to provide a forum in which mediators can exchange experiences and ideas related to mediation;
to provide a forum for the collection and dissemination of current information related to mediation; and
to maintain an environment that nurtures academic and personal growth.

The service mission of the HMP is:

to provide a fair and effective process in which disputing members of the community can resolve their own differences;
to provide effective mediation services to all parties, regardless of their ability to pay;
to provide effective mediation services to local courts and communities;
to educate local courts and communities regarding mediation and effective conflict resolution skills;
to provide opportunities for volunteers from outside HLS to learn and practice mediation;
to provide a forum for mediators to exchange ideas; and
to maintain administrative procedures that foster systematic documentation of work product and ready access to Program resources.