Labor Arbitrator Development Program

The Program offers students:

• The opportunity to learn from and be mentored by world-class faculty in the field of labor/management arbitration, and America's leading arbitrators.
• In-depth field experience through the observation of hearings conducted by established arbitrators.
• Award writing instruction and multiple opportunities for feedback on draft awards provided by Program faculty.
• Development of the arbitration process skills needed to become a qualified arbitrator for employment disputes.
• Instruction and individualized assistance in developing a conflict resolution career plan.

This Program is ideal for professionals who are looking to transition to a career as a labor arbitrator.

• Labor and management attorneys  
• Union representatives  
• Human resource professionals
• Other professionals who seek to transition into the practice of labor arbitration 
• Students of diverse demographic backgrounds are encouraged to apply

• 15-month cohort program
   
• 13 days of in-person classes in NYC and Washington, DC: 
  • October 2023, NYC
  • Spring 2024, Washington, DC
  • Fall 2024, NYC
     
• Virtual  Asynchronous: Assignments  to be completed in advance of each session
   
• Virtual Synchronous sessions: Held on Sundays 3:00 PM- 5:00 PM
   
• Individualized coaching and mentoring with virtual cohort check-in discussions 
   
• Opportunities to shadow established arbitrators and receive feedback on draft awards

Virtual Classes:

Ethics & Virtual Hearings:
Asynchronous assignments; 2-hour synchronous session
Participants will complete asynchronous assignments related to ethics and review materials on virtual hearings. The synchronous session will include an overview of virtual hearings as well as ethics hypotheticals.

Just Cause Part II – Discussion of Disciplinary Cases & Writing Awards:
Asynchronous assignments; 2-hour synchronous session
Participants will complete asynchronous readings and review materials related to drafting awards. During the two-hour synchronous session, participants will be provided with an assignment and deadline to prepare their second draft award at the end of the session.  Post-session, the writing instructor will review and provide written and verbal feedback on the draft awards submitted in individual meetings with participants. 

Building Your Network and Professional Reputation Part II: 
Asynchronous assignments; 2-hour synchronous session
Participants will complete asynchronous assignments, including readings specific to developing effective mentoring relationships.  The instructors will lead a discussion on the role of relationships in building an arbitration practice, best practices, and opportunities in working with established arbitrators and introduce the expectations for the shadowing program component.

Analysis and Use of Past Practice in Decision-Making:
Asynchronous assignments; 2-hour synchronous session
Participants will complete asynchronous assignments, including Mittenthal articles and reviewing exemplar awards.  The instructor will lead the discussion utilizing hypotheticals during the synchronous session.

Nuts & Bolts of Building a Conflict Resolution Practice:
Asynchronous assignments; 2-hour synchronous session
Participants will complete asynchronous assignments in preparation for the virtual session.  The synchronous discussion will focus on the nature of self-employment and setting up a business, including issues such as setting fees, confirming dates, invoicing, collections, corporate organizational status, office logistics and software, websites, and other considerations.

Decision-Making and Implicit Bias: 
Asynchronous assignments; 2-hour synchronous session
Participants will complete asynchronous assignments related to recognizing and addressing implicit bias.  The instructor will lead the discussion utilizing exercises designed to increase awareness and address implicit bias in decision-making.
 

In-Person Classes:

Introduction to Labor Arbitration: 
Fall 2023; 5 Days, NYC
This intensive course provides context to the role of the arbitrator within the labor-management relationship and the workplace dispute resolution continuum as well as the ethical responsibilities of the arbitrator and guidance on enhancing networks and building a practice.  Learn the fundamentals of arbitration, including evidence, contract language interpretation, just cause, conducting a hearing, and drafting labor arbitration awards.  

Public Sector Dispute Resolution:
Spring 2024; 2 Days, Washington, D.C
This training will examine labor arbitration and the work of impartial hearing officers in the public sector, including state/local and federal sectors. There will be an examination and discussion of considerations in arbitrating public sector discipline and an overview of interest arbitration.

Introduction to Workplace Mediation:
Spring 2024; 2 Days, Washington, D.C
This session focuses on mediation simulations, allowing the participants to participate in mock mediations resolving labor and workplace disputes after completing asynchronous coursework in preparation for the exercises.

Practicum & Advanced Topics in Labor Arbitration:
Fall 2024; 5 Days, NYC
Throughout the week, participants will have the opportunity to observe and take part in simulations, award writing, and feedback sessions with both their cohort colleagues, as well as established neutrals and advocates in the field.

Virtual and In-Person:

Shadowing and Coaching Check-in Discussions:
Provides in-depth field experience through observing hearings conducted by established arbitrators. Students write draft awards and will receive personal feedback from the program's participating arbitrators.  Participants will also have four individual meetings with Scheinman faculty as they develop their Conflict Resolution Career Plan.