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  • ON-DEMAND

ABA Formal Opinion 518 The Ethics of Mediation for Both Mediators and Attorneys (On-Demand)

General Credits:
Original Date Of Course:

$129.00

Course Description

This course discusses ABA Formal Opinion 518 and how it applies to the ethics of mediation, both for mediators and attorneys practicing before them.

Syllabus

  1. Issued by ABA Standing Committee on Ethics (Oct. 15, 2025)
  2. Applies to lawyers acting as mediators but also addresses role of attorneys in mediation
    • Key Holdings
    • Mediators cannot imply acting in party’s best interest.
    • Mediators cannot make knowingly false or misleading statements.
    • Neutrality increases reliance.
  3. Why This Matters to Mediators
    • Mediation depends on trust
    • Many mediators are lawyers first
    • Parties may over-rely on mediator authority
  4. The Role of Mediator vs. Advocate
    • Advocate: advances client’s best interest
    • Mediator: assist parties to reach resolution
    • Risk: role confusion

Credit Details

Course Type

Course Instructor

Jeff Kichaven, Esq., Joel Osman, Esq.
Original Date Of Course

General Credits

1
Jeff Kichaven, Esq.
Jeff Kichaven, Esq.
Jeff Kichaven, Esq. is an honors graduate of Harvard Law School and a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and serves as an elected member of the American Law Institute. He has maintained a full-time mediation practice for 30 years and is recognized for his expertise in mediation across a range of disputes.
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Joel Osman, Esq.
Joel Osman, Esq.
Joel Osman, Esq. is a Partner and General Counsel at Parker Shaffie LLP in Los Angeles, where his practice focuses on litigation, trials, and ethics consultation. He serves on the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Professional Responsibility and Ethics Committee and previously served on the State Bar's Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct.
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