LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lake County Mediations has announced the dates and location for its first basic mediation training class for 2012.

The training consists of 32 hours of classroom instruction. A certificate of completion will be awarded to participants that complete all of the training.

Attorneys who complete the training will receive 32 hours of mandatory continuing education credit including one hour of elimination of bias credit.

The classes will be held at the Kelseyville United Methodist Church (corner of First and Main streets) for four consecutive Saturdays beginning on March 31.

Class sessions will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Saturday and will provide the participants with the basic skills necessary to work in both the community and court mediation programs operated by Lake County Mediations.

Students will be on their own for lunch each day. A reception will be held following the final session (April 21) to provide an opportunity for students to network with current mediators, volunteers and members of the legal community.

The cost of the training is $250, however a sliding-scale fee for the training is available based on demonstrated need and a commitment to provide volunteer hours to the organization as either a mediator or volunteer. The fee includes a training manual.

Nancy Ryan, esquire, is the lead instructor. Ryan is an attorney and renowned mediator who combines her mediation skills with her private law practice. In recent years her practice has been focused on issues involving the developmentally disabled and regional center matters.

Ryan is a dynamic and lively trainer who incorporates real-life experiences and lessons into the training, making each session relevant and applicable to everyday life.

She has extensive experience providing leadership and training to regional mediation programs in Sonoma County and at Santa Rosa State University.

Mediators from the organization’s mediator pool will participate in the training modules and assist with role-play and other class exercises.

Participants will receive training in communication and active listening skills; the role, value, types and history of mediation; the mediation process and dealing with dispute resolution in culturally diverse populations.

More information about Lake County Mediations and the upcoming training is available at http://www.lakecountymediations.org or by contacting Barbara Johnson, the executive director of Lake County Mediations, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone at 707-263-6800.