Client Testimonials

This course, through the provided materials, instruction, and role play exercises, taught us how to mediate in the very challenging field of family law. Ellen's careful instruction supported us while also keeping us on track!

It was an excellent program. I appreciated the ability to be present for not just my feedback on mediator roleplaying but also my colleagues. It allowed me to learn from all styles. I think this course broadened my understanding of the multiple ways cases can be settled.

This course has taught me a new way of looking at my cases. Much of my domestic caseload is problem solving for my clients. This course has given me a new outlook on how to help my clients resolve their cases. I look forward to helping others in the new role of mediator. Thank you for your kindness and expertise.

This course was very beneficial. It challenged me to think in a way that is drastically different from how I think as a litigator. I have already found myself using some of what I learned when interacting with my clients.

It was nice breaking out into half day sessions. When I took the training before it was 40 hours in on week and that was a lot, I liked the shorter sessions better.

I have taken this course twice. The first time in 2002, in person in Raleigh for a week. The second time with Ellen via zoom for 2 weeks. I prefer the second format. It allowed us time to handle legal business in the morning and still have time to prep and be ready for the afternoon teachings. It also allowed me to stay home rather than go to some other place for a week and incur the expense of a hotel, food etc. As to this course, I found that Ellen’s demeanor during the course was, in fact, the demeanor we need to use to be a successful mediator. While she would tell us about the expectations of us in a mediation, watching her model those expectations in every interaction with us was more beneficial as a learning experience. Even when she felt she needed to do a “course correction” on herself, watching her model how to do that was a much better learning experience than when she told us we would from time to time, have to correct our own actions as a mediator in a mediation.

"I was certified as a mediator over 25 years ago. I let my certification lapse due to changes in the focus of my practice and my workload. My original certification class was in person and I was worried that taking the class remotely might be boring or more difficult for me to focus on the information I needed (including any changes in mediation since my last certification.) This was not the case. This class works well in a remote format and feels very personal due to the exercises and interaction. I would definitely recommend it to others and assure them that they should have no concerns about taking the class remotely. "

"Lawyers, as inherently prideful professionals, wrongly believe that they are necessarily skilled in dispute resolution. Ellen Gelbin’s excellent mediation training program reminds us that mediation is distinct from lawyering in fundamental ways. The program highlights the differences, provides exceptional instruction and experience in mediation techniques. Ellen guided participants to successful separation of the two skill sets. her program is essential for all aspiring mediators and hugely instructive for all lawyers who represent clients in mediation. I will do my best to be a successful graduate of her excellent program.  Great experience. Thanks for the great experience and education. I really enjoyed the class. I admire your ability to maintain your composure and patience when someone argues with you unnecessarily or excessively."

"I took the training because I thought mediation would be a good career transition and provide an income stream as I go from being a busy litigator to eventual retirement. I thought given the amount of experience I have in personal injury, worker's compensation and mediation itself, I could be good at it. Those may not be the most noble reasons, but they are truthful.  I have truly enjoyed this experience."

"I appreciated all the trainers allowing us the time to ask questions relevant to what we wanted to know. All the trainers were very knowledgeable Also, since she is not listed above, Colleen Byers did a good job in her simulated mediation demonstration"

"You are an Excellent trainer. I have learned so much from you. Your skilled in keeping the client's on topic and have the ability to get the materials covered in the amount of time given is very impressive"

"I truly enjoyed the Training Course (even with 40 years of experience practicing civil litigation) and look forward to serving the judicial system with this new role as Mediator moving forward. I would commend Ellen on her dedication to the Mediation Training program and related service as a result thereof to the NCDRC"

"Ellen challenged me to think outside the box. As attorneys, we often think “we know what is best for our clients,” and we advocate strongly towards that end goal. Ellen’s mediation training makes you stop and think, and really try and LISTEN to what the parties are saying is important to them. By better listening and better understanding, the mediator can help facilitate the parties reach the best resolution for THEM. I truly hope, with the knowledge that I learned in Ellen’s program, that I will be better able to help parties reach a resolution without so much of the conflict that we so often see in the legal profession."

"I appreciate the time and care the presenter took to encourage us to take off our lawyer hats and put on our mediator hats. It is difficult to shift roles, and Ellen was patient with us as we made the transition."

"I was surprised with how much I learned and how enjoyable the class was. Ellen and the guest trainers were great. My co-students were engaged and thoughtful in their participation. "

"Once again I am so grateful not only for mediation training but to listen with more understanding with my oldest son. I haven’t truly listened to him in a long time and using this sincere way of listening and looking at a problem and letting him come to his own conclusions and me actually hearing that conclusion is such gift I cannot repay. That you. You are a true teacher and you have shown me its never to old to learn."

"I am so pleased with this class. Going into the class, I had preconceived notions and confidence that I already had this figured out. From day one, I saw that I had to refocus all my thoughts, practice habits, aggressive advocate attitude and become a facilitator. It was mind-blowing and made me realize that the mediator perspective is much different than I had thought. Having been in 100’s of mediations, I felt I was ready, and this was just a requirement to check off. Then, as the course progressed, the light bulb went on, and I realized that a different approach and mentality was required..."

"Ellen was terrific, and her co-trainers were similarly terrific – all super-experienced and knowledgeable. The role-play, experiential learning approach was very effective to helping me learn. I would highly recommend Ellen’s class to anyone else looking to become a mediator. "

"Throughout the training, Ellen counseled our cohort of trainees to trust the mediation process to get the parties to the mediated outcome. Through her modeled behavior, compassion and encouragement, I learned to trust Ellen and her process to develop my perspective, knowledge and skills as a mediator. "

"I am not totally sure that I internalized everything that was taught, but Ellen seemed extraordinarily enthusiastic and interested in student success. "

"This course has significantly enhanced my perspective as an attorney and improved my communication skills, both personally and professionally. Although I was initially apprehensive about the 40-hour training, it proved to be challenging yet extremely valuable in terms of both time and money. I immediately applied the open-ended questioning techniques in conversations with opposing counsel on a new case, and even in discussions with my partner about the extensive renovations at our home. In both situations, this approach was far more productive than asking direct, pointed questions..."

"This mediator training course was a very rewarding experience. Ellen is very good, has an exceptional demeanor, and really fostered an environment of being able to immerse yourself into real world situations to simulate the perspectives of attorneys, clients and mediators. The co-trainers were excellent as well and provided valuable guidance to allow our class to see various styles for addressing certain simulated situations. I would highly recommend Ellen as a trainer and cannot say enough good things about her training program. "

"Ellen, Roy, Colleen and Kelley were all fantastic instructors with knowledge and passion for their particular sections of the class. Ellen is good at providing feedback and moves the class along and pivots when necessary. She is patient and kind and answers questions. She fosters open communication among the students. "

"The Course provided a great overview and training of the mediation process and the mediator's role. As a family. law attorney, I have participated in a lot of mediations but I feel that this course has more than provided me the tools to be a successfu( mediator. Angela Haas: This course was outstanding! The materials provided and referenced were clear and easy to understand. All presenters were knowledgeable, experienced, and thorough with their explanations. Participants were encouraged to ask questions, and were given several opportunities to practice the skills taught, Constructive feedback was provided and encouraged by all. This course provides the perfect opportunity to get the skills and practice you need to become a great mediator"

"The Course provided a great overview and training of the mediation process and the mediator's role. As a family. law attorney, I have participated in a lot of mediations but I feel that this course has more than provided me the tools to be a successful mediator!"

"This is a fantastic course with a great instructor. She is knowledgeable, experienced, passionate and understands how to personalize the course to guarantee the message is received. I learned so much from this course. Ellen knows how to pull the best out of the students and how to help us work to our strengths. It is so refreshing to enjoy the entire 40 hours of zoom. This is my second course with Ellen, and I encourage others interested in this profession to start with her. The pace is well thought out, the spacing of the exercises is even and controlled. I could go on forever with the positives and I don’t have single negative comment to make. I am sad the course is coming to an end as the two weeks of daily interactions have been refreshing and further solidified my belief that Mediation, when done properly, is the best method to resolve conflict, help the parties create a personalized workable solution which will save parties the heartache and stress of trial and bring a little peace into their legal world. A+++. Dan "

"Ellen provided a wonderful class atmosphere (even on Zoom) where everyone felt comfortable being uncomfortable in role playing mediation skills and tactics.  Kelley was great co-trainer in that she brought a slightly different style and personality from Ellen, but together showed that there are multiple ways to conduct a productive and respectful mediation.  Above all, they are both passionate in their knowledge that mediation is a process that has to be protected by the mediator and, when done capably, can help parties move forward in a less adversarial manner.  Also, Tara’s involvement is comforting in knowing that the NCDRC is there to be an invaluable resource for mediators on a daily basis.  It was just a fantastic course."

"I have participated in many trainings over the years. This training has been one of the best to achieve the stated goals. I came into the training thinking I half way knew what to do; only to discover I was mistaken. And recognizing my deficiency, the training geared me to the why and how of mediation. Ellen very astutely trains not only in the techniques of mediation, but also in the subtle nuances of the trade as well as societal issues that may require a mediator to determine an impasse as the only safe option. Kelley as a co-trainer was phenomenal as well. It was interesting to see that although Ellen and Kelley have different approaches to mediation, they are very accomplished at getting the same outcomes. Kelley’s sharing additional knowledge of her law practice and parent coordinator was very insightful."

"The course was excellent.   Ellen did a fantastic job giving positive and constructive feedback while we practiced the skills taught.   The class was fun, interesting and educational.    The skills taught in the class are not only invaluable to mediators but have provided me with valuable communication and negotiation tools for my legal practice."

"I enjoyed the instructor, speakers and my classmates. The “hands on” learning through simulations was very helpful and I am glad I got the change to practice with real people before doing it for real. Feedback from Ellen on how to handle certain situations was very helpful. I also enjoyed the tone Ellen set for the class – to relax, learn, make mistakes, share experiences and ask questions! I am going to miss interacting with our group."

"It was very clear that Ellen cares deeply and passionately about the mediation process and the importance of the role that it plays in our practices and the judicial system. Kelly’s contribution to the training in the form of family law specific experience was extremely helpful. Kelly and Ellen make a great team"

"This course is extremely informative. I enjoyed the simulations and comradery built with Ellen and the group. Each day was a new adventure! Kelley is so personable and an amazing presenter. I really enjoyed learning about her experience and her practice. Watching her mediate was invaluable."

"This is the best “CLE” that I have attended in my 23 years of practice. Thank you so much for your insight and teaching/mentoring abilities. I recommend Ellen to anyone wanting to improve their skills as a mediator, as an attorney, and as a person!"

"Thank you Ellen for a fun and informative training session. The two-week half-day framework was very helpful. I loved how you encouraged group participation nearly every day. Not only have I learned a new skill but I've developed a new network of friends. The guest speakers you invited were absolutely marvelous. "

"Ellen was outstanding in her instruction, attention to detail and general overall knowledge of mediation and the process. "

"Ellen's warmth, depth and breadth of professional experience and communication skills really shine. I have grown personally and professionally over the past two weeks. "

"I learned a lot, not only substantively, but also from your patience, professionalism and insight. "

"The training was fantastic, and one of the best training courses I have encountered in many years over several disciplines. Ellen Gelbin provided information in a multitude of ways to complement our individual learning styles.... The simulations placed us in situations that unfold over the course .... We began [our simulations] with a starting point and we continued to add layers and complexities. On the first day, Ellen informed us that the class would unfold over time … . Not only did the course unfold, it grew, blossomed, flowered, proliferated and thrives. This type of experience doesn’t come along often. It is extremely special. This course inspires me. "

"I’ve been an advocate many times in mediations and learned things that will help me improve my services on that side as well. I really enjoyed the time spent with fellow classmates and learned a lot from them too. "

"Ellen is a top-notch instructor, weaving all pertinent substantive and procedural knowledge regarding mediation in with helpful and relatable practical application. She has a wonderful personality, a great sense of humor, and a staunch commitment to her craft. Her guest instructors were excellent too. … Delivery was the key."

"THE BEST! EVEN BETTER THAN WHAT I EXPECTED! "

"THE BEST! EVEN BETTER THAN WHAT I EXPECTED! "

"This well thought out class will provide a level of self-awareness that is invaluable. As lawyers, it was very challenging to relearn how best to help people who are in conflict. Ellen knows how to guide her students in the best way in learning new skills. I would highly recommend [this] course. "

"Ellen has the experience of a litigator with the mindset of a mediator. It's the perfect combination to teach this training."

"Ellen is a wonderful person and mediator. [She is] passionate about this profession, her class and having everyone feel engaged. This class was incredibly humbling, eye opening and will make me a better lawyer and person overall. I was extremely impressed with the co-trainers as well… "

"Ellen and everyone who participated was wonderful. It reminded me that I actually like lawyers. "