Mediation
F O R T Y - H O U R - T R A I N I N G
Mastery
Elevate Your Skills with Expert-Led Training: Join Leyla, Jennifer, and Esteemed Guest Speakers for an Unforgettable Learning Experience in Partnership with Alternative Resolution Centers (ARC)
Mediation
F O R T Y - H O U R T R A I N I N G
Mastery
- Elevate Your Skills with Expert-Led Training: Join Leyla, Jennifer, and Esteemed Guest Speakers for an Unforgettable Learning Experience in Partnership with Alternative Resolution Centers (ARC)
Mediation
In Proud Collaboration with
Course Highlights
Presented by

Leyla Balakhane
Professional Family Mediator

Jennifer Terando
Attorney-Mediator Registered Nurse
- Civil Case Intensive – Deep dive into civil case process and strategies with expert-led sessions; culminates in 2-hour mock mediation.
- Divorce Case Intensive – Master the complexities of divorce cases.
- Marketing Bootcamp – Elevate your presence with proven marketing strategies.
- Running a Practice Marketing Bootcamp – Elevate your presence with proven marketing strategies and gain insights into the essentials of managing a successful practice.
- Guest Speakers – Learn from 12 industry leaders and pioneers, including lectures on family, employment and landlord tenant mediations, ethics, impasse, cross-cultural negotiations, SEO and marketing.
- Role Plays – Participate in numerous role-playing activities to hone your skills.
- Interactive Learning – Engage in a dynamic learning environment that encourages active participation.
- DRPA Compliance – Meets the requirements set forth by the Dispute Resolution Programs Act.
- Mediation Mastery Certificate: Awarded for full participation in the Mediation Mastery 40-Hour Training Program.
- In-Person Summit – Conclude your training with a two-day summit at Alternative Resolution Center’s Downtown Los Angeles office to learn, network and apply your new skills.
- MCLE Credit Information for California Attorneys
California attorneys must complete the full Mediation Mastery training to be eligible for the following MCLE credit (pending approval): Each approved component of the training will generate a separate certificate. Attendance for all virtual sessions will be recorded. - March 3, 4, and 5, 2026
1. Overview of the Mediation Process
2. 9 hours of participatory MCLE credit (pending approval) - March 10 and 11, 2026
1. Mediation of Civil Cases
2. 6 hours of participatory MCLE credit (pending approval) - March 17, 18, and 19, 2026
1. Mediation of Family Law Matters
2. 9 hours of participatory MCLE credit (pending approval)
We are excited to collaborate with Alternative Resolution Centers (ARC), a distinguished leader in the dispute resolution industry. Celebrating over 35 years of service, ARC has been at the forefront of arbitration, mediation, and other legal processes, efficiently resolving disputes nationwide and internationally. Under the new leadership of Nicole Bethurum and Marjorie Luna, ARC continues to innovate and expand, offering state-of-the-art facilities and harnessing cutting-edge technologies for in-person, hybrid, and virtual hearings. Their commitment to maintaining a premier panel of neutrals and providing top-tier dispute resolution services makes them a pivotal partner in our endeavors.
Presented by
Leyla Balakhane
Divorce and Family Law Mediator.
Leyla Balakhane, a skilled mediator in divorce and family matters, shows true excellence and care in resolving conflicts. Her wide experience as a leader, mentor, and educator has led her to devote her career to promoting empathy and understanding in family matters. She is deeply committed to ensuring every child can grow up in an environment filled with happiness, safety, and love. Leyla represents the true essence of kindness and dedication, serving as a prime example of making a real impact on society.
As a member of the Board of Directors of the Southern California Mediation Association (SCMA), Leyla has the opportunity to influence the direction of the field, and as the chair of membership with SCMA, she plays a crucial role in shaping the future of mediation. Her dedication and service have been recognized with the prestigious 2023 President’s Award from the Southern California Mediation Association (SCMA), highlighting her significant influence and commitment. Leyla’s expertise and achievements have earned her recognition as a distinguished member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association Arbitration Panel (LACBA), the SCMA, and a Certified read more
Jennifer Terando
Attorney-Mediator Registered Nurse
Jennifer likes to joke that the upside of mid-life means she has years of knowledge and experience with which to assist her clients. Her well-rounded career dates back to her obtaining her BSN with honors from the Francis Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University over 20 years ago and continuing on to her scholarship to Case Western Reserve University School of Law where she obtained her JD with a certificate in health law from the perennially recognized Law and Medicine Center and served as an associate editor on the Health Matrix: Journal of Law and Medicine.
Jennifer has worked as a Registered Nurse in medical-surgical and post-partum, general pediatrics, a pediatric surgical floor, and NICU. She has practiced nursing in Ohio, Florida and California, including at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, where she was the charge nurse on a pediatric chronic care unit, caring for children with medically-complex/high-needs conditions, and at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. read more
Featuring Distinguished Guest Speakers
Learn from 12 industry leaders and pioneers, including lectures on family, employment and landlord tenant mediations, ethics, impasse, cross-cultural negotiations, SEO and marketing.
Mediation Mastery – Forty-Hour Training
Elevate your skills / Grow your practice.
In Proud Collaboration with
Course Highlight
- Civil Case Intensive – Deep dive into civil case strategies with expert-led sessions.
- Divorce Case Intensive – Master the complexities of divorce cases.
- Marketing Bootcamp – Elevate your presence with proven marketing strategies.
- Running a Practice Bootcamp – Gain insights into the essentials of managing a successful practice.
- Guest Speakers – Learn from 8 industry leaders and pioneers.
- Role Plays – Participate in numerous role-playing activities to hone your skills.
- Interactive Learning – Engage in a dynamic learning environment that encourages active participation.
- DRPA Compliance – Meets the requirements set forth by the Dispute Resolution Progams Act.
- MCLE Accreditation – 40 hours of credit, with approval pending.
- In-Person Summit – Conclude your training with a two-day summit to network and apply your new skills
- Post-Training Support – Connect with Leyla and Jennifer in our one-hour Zoom coffee chats, offered at 30 and 60 days post-training. It’s the perfect time for trainees to ask questions and exchange ideas with the whole group!
Presented by
In Proud Collaboration with
We are excited to collaborate with Alternative Resolution Centers (ARC), a distinguished leader in the dispute resolution industry. Celebrating over 35 years of service, ARC has been at the forefront of arbitration, mediation, and other legal processes, efficiently resolving disputes nationwide and internationally. Under the new leadership of Nicole Bethurum and Marjorie Luna, ARC continues to innovate and expand, offering state-of-the-art facilities and harnessing cutting-edge technologies for in-person, hybrid, and virtual hearings. Their commitment to maintaining a premier panel of neutrals and providing top-tier dispute resolution services makes them a pivotal partner in our endeavors. Learn more about their expansive capabilities at https://www.arc4adr.com
Testimonials
We covered everything from civil and divorce cases to how to actually build and manage a practice. The strategies we learned for handling complex situations were eye opening, and the marketing and business-building sessions gave me tools I could start using right away.
What I loved most were the role plays and the guest speakers. Practicing in a safe space helped me find my confidence, and hearing from leaders in the field was incredibly motivating. I did not just learn skills. I grew as a professional and as a person.
I also really appreciated the attention to DRPA requirements, the opportunity to earn MCLE credit, and the continued support after the course. The in-person summit and ongoing group sessions created a real sense of community, which is rare and so valuable.
If you are thinking about starting or growing a mediation practice, I would wholeheartedly recommend this training. It is thoughtful, practical, and led by people who truly care. It is more than a course. It is a meaningful investment in yourself and your future.
The role-playing exercises were one of the most valuable parts of the training. Being able to practice new techniques in realistic scenarios helped build my confidence and gave me true hands-on experience. I also loved the diversity of the class. My classmates brought different backgrounds, cultures, and levels of experience, which enriched every discussion and opened my eyes to new ways of approaching cases.
The training materials, teaching style, and structure of the program were excellent. The curriculum was comprehensive and the instructors were deeply knowledgeable, supportive, and approachable. I also really appreciate the continued support after the training through the Zoom coffee chats. Staying connected with Leyla and Jennifer has helped me keep learning, growing, and feeling supported as I move forward.
I would absolutely recommend Mediation Mastery’s 40-hour training program to anyone considering a career in mediation. Leyla Balakhane and Jennifer Terando created an inspiring, warm, and highly informative learning environment. Their combined experience and perspectives gave me a strong foundation, practical skills, and the confidence to begin my mediation journey.
Through this training, I began to see that mediation is not just something I do. It is something I am called to. With Leyla and Jennifer’s guidance, I learned to look beneath the surface of conflict, to understand the emotions and unmet needs people carry, and to recognize the humanity that is still there even in the hardest moments.
The role play practice was especially meaningful. Being able to try things out in a safe space, receive feedback, and slowly gain my footing helped me find real confidence in myself as a mediator.
This training did more than teach me tools. It changed the way I see conflict and the way I see people. I now feel more prepared to help others move from confusion to clarity, and from blame to understanding.
If mediation speaks to you the way it spoke to me, this training is such a beautiful place to begin. With Leyla and Jennifer’s support, you do not just learn. You grow into the work in a way that feels real, grounded, and meaningful.
The program includes everything needed to begin a professional career, from the nuts and bolts of the mediation process to essential documents, professional relationships, and ethical foundations. The inclusion of guest speakers who are true luminaries, authors, and leaders in the field makes this training exceptional.
I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for your outstanding Mediation Mastery training.
During my recent 40-hour mediation program, I was impressed by the caliber and diversity of both the trainers and participants. Having completed several rigorous mediation certification courses, I found this program stood out for its dynamic and interactive approach.
Unlike other professional trainings that can feel rigid or narrowly focused, this course emphasized practical application, group dialogue, and real-world scenarios. The open exchange of ideas and the varied professional backgrounds of participants created a collaborative learning environment that deepened engagement and understanding.
I greatly appreciated the thoughtfulness of the curriculum, the professionalism of the facilitators, and the opportunity to learn alongside such a committed group. I would highly recommend this training to anyone seeking practical skills and a broader perspective on conflict resolution and collaborative practice. None of this would have been possible without your hard work and sincere efforts to strengthen the mediation community.
Thank you again.
Leyla and Jennifer are excellent instructors who provide strong foundational materials across multiple mediation specializations, offer hands-on practice, and bring in outstanding guest lecturers. I highly recommend this course.

