Want to Become a Mediator? Choose to study LLB Law in the UK!
Do you have an uncanny gift for conflict resolution and are considered by friends and family to be conciliatory and always looking for peaceful solutions? This is a real and unique talent that is worth tapping into if you are planning your future or future career! By combining your interpersonal skills with your knowledge of law and psychology, you can become an established mediator. Find out how studying law in the UK can help you prepare for the profession.
Mediator, or who? Find out what mediation is and how it is carried out. The basic definition of the profession is quite simple: a mediator is a person who conducts mediations.
If you imagine mediation as meetings between conflicting parties moderated by a person prepared to do so, you are quite right. In fact, however, the process is somewhat more complex: it requires careful preparation, discernment of the situation and the development of a strategy to resolve the problem.
What exactly does a mediator do? His or her tasks are not only to organise meetings with
conflicting parties. The mediator’s duties also include:
familiarising himself with the case: reading the documents, conducting preliminary interviews with the mediation participants;
explaining to the participants what mediation is, the role of the mediator and both parties;
preparing the materials needed during the meetings;
taking notes – writing down participants’ statements, observations, findings;
drafting a written agreement between the parties.
The main objective of mediation is to resolve the conflict situation between the parties and to reach a win-win solution. Conducting mediation often avoids going to court. This avoids the associated costs and stress.
What are the most common things mediators do in the UK?
Two types of mediation are most commonly carried out in the UK: family mediation and business mediation. If you decide to work as a mediator, you can choose which one you are more familiar with and develop your legal knowledge in that area.
A family mediator helps to resolve conflicts between spouses or other family members. Often people who have been in conflict for a long time and are considering divorce ask for help – well conducted mediation can prevent a break-up or make it go more smoothly. Did you know that up to 89% of mediations in the UK are successful? This shows how important the role of the mediator is in resolving family problems.
Business mediation is often equated with negotiation, but this is a mistake. The purpose of negotiation is to reach an agreement when agreeing on the terms of cooperation. The need for mediation arises in a completely different situation – when there is a conflict between business partners that they cannot resolve on their own. The role of the mediator is to resolve disputes, which often (but not always) occur precisely at the stage of business negotiations.
Mediator and barrister – what are the differences between these professions and what do they have in common?
It is common for a mediator and a barrister in the UK to be graduates of the same course – LLB Law, an undergraduate degree in law. Both professions require a thorough knowledge of the law in a particular area: family, commercial companies, employment or other. However, the difference between the role of a mediator and a barrister is fundamental. A lawyer represents only one of the parties – his or her client, for whose benefit he or she is acting. A mediator, on the other hand, is a person who is interested in working out a favourable solution for both (or more) parties. These professionals also do their work in different circumstances: the lawyer supports his or her clients already in the courtroom, during the hearing. Mediation, on the other hand, is carried out at an earlier stage – it is through mediation that a visit to the courtroom is often avoided. Not a master’s degree, but a sincere desire… Do you need a degree to work as a mediator? Currently, UK legislation does not regulate in any way who can practise as a mediator. This means that it is possible to meditate without a degree or experience. However, it is difficult to start from scratch. Clients looking for support during conflict situations are more likely to choose people with an extensive portfolio who have a track record of success. As a beginner, do you stand a chance of beating your competitors’ offers? It can be difficult, but that’s why it’s worth investing in a solid education that will give you a foundation for further development. The course of study most often chosen by those thinking about a career as a mediator in the UK is LLB Law – a Bachelor of Laws degree. As a graduate of a Polish high school, do you have a chance to study law at one of the prestigious British universities? Of course! Find out what such studies look like in practice and what you need to do to get into your dream course.
For law – check it out! How to prepare for the mediation profession by studying
LLB Law in the UK?
The aim of of studying LLB Law
or The Bachelor of Laws, is an undergraduate law degree programme. It lasts
for 3 years.
During the course of study, students gain knowledge in various areas of law:
● criminal,
● civil
● labour
● family
● constitutional
● international
● human rights
Classes are held in the form of traditional lectures and seminars, conducted in groups of up to 12 people.
How do I get into university in the UK?
Most UK universities require applicants to have passed the baccalaureate and have English language skills. You apply through the UCAS system, which converts your exam results into points. During the application process, you may be asked to show a language certificate: TOEFL, CAE or other. What if you don’t have a baccalaureate degree or your English language skills are inadequate? The Foundation Year – an extra year at university during which you gain basic knowledge and polish your business skills – may be the solution for you. After completing it, you can continue your studies as normal.
Can you combine studying law with work? Law degree programmes in the UK are not as extensive as in Poland. There is less
memory-based learning, with more emphasis on independent learning. Classes usually take students about 10-15 hours a week, for a total of three days a week. This means that you can easily find time for part-time work or an internship to help you better prepare for your work as a mediator.
What about after graduation? Opportunities to progress in the mediation profession
By graduating with an LLB Law in the UK, you can start working as a mediator straight away. In practice, however, many people opt for the next stage of their education: attending a mediator course run by one of the accredited organisations. Accreditation is awarded by the CMC (Civil Mediation Council), FMC (Family Mediation Council), The College of Mediators, among others.You can also supplement your education and qualifications when you are already working as a mediator. Psychology and studies related to HR or social sciences are often chosen as a second field of study. A career abroad, a passionate profession and future-oriented studies? Start your studies at LLB Law with Motivation Academy!
