President's Message
By Cindy Ettingoff
On more than one occasion I have been told that it is impossible for most people to make their living exclusively from mediating. At one time that may have been true, but I do not believe that to be the case currently. While the use of mediation in state, unlike federal court, is not always automatic, it has certainly become more widespread. As a means of addressing case backlogs resulting from pandemic related closures the Tennessee Supreme Court has encouraged judges to refer all appropriate cases to mediation. That means increased opportunities for mediators. As a result of the pandemic there is now widespread implementation and acceptance of Zoom hearings, Zoom meetings, and Zoom mediations. This is a time of opportunity for mediators who have honed their Zoom skills. It is also an opportunity for mediators, such as those with family obligations or health concerns which prevent them from routinely traveling, to advertise their availability to mediate.
Another factor that has given rise to new opportunities for mediators is that as mediation becomes more common, some of those hiring mediators have come to the realization that different problems may benefit from different mediator personalities and styles of mediation. The view of what makes a good mediator for a specific type of case and how mediation “should” be done has broadened. In addition, just as the pandemic has created a market for virtual mediation, it has opened opportunities for virtual learning. TAPM is proud to offer many opportunities for mediators to learn about different aspects of mediation and different styles of mediation. It is an opportunity for mediator growth and development, and I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities to develop or reevaluate your mediation style.