working with spanish speakers in the mediation process

2011 California Conference on Self-Represented Litigants

Jeniffer Alcantara, Esq.Malea Chavez, Esq.

Alejandra Siroka

Introductions- Part 1 Jeniffer Alcantara, Esq.

Alternative Dispute Resolution AdministratorStaff Attorney, San Francisco Superior CourtMediator, San Francisco Superior Court

Malea ChavezStaff Attorney, ACCESS Civil Self-help CenterMediator, Self-Represented Litigants Mediation Program

Alejandra SirokaCommunication ConsultantFederal and California Certified Court InterpreterFaculty at SF State University Legal Interpreting

Certification ProgramProfessional Division Director, California Federation of

Interpreters

Introductions- Getting to Know You

Stand up if…

Learning ObjectivesCreate awareness of common issues related to Spanish

speakers in mediation

Understand key mediation principles and goals which may not be achieved with a Spanish speaker if attention is not paid to some of these points

Have an understanding of how Spanish speakers make decisions and solve problems

Conduct mediations that are culturally appropriate and competent when working with Spanish speaking participants.

AgreementsCell phones on silent or offActive participation is encouragedOne speaker at a timeEveryone’s input is valid and

importantRespect differences

Different Types of MediationsCivil vs. CriminalCase TypeFee StructureMediator BackgroundMandatory vs. VoluntaryMediation Style

Reflection Activity

How did you solve your conflict?

How did you decide what to do?

Decision-makingAmerican Culture

Latin American Culture

Problem-solvingAmerican Culture

Latin American Culture

Cross-cultural Communication English Speakers Spanish Speakers

Fishbowl Activity

Intercultural Communication & Working With Interpreters

in a MediationWho is in the room?What is the mediator’s role?What are the participants’ roles?Do you have informed consent?

Administrative LensProgram Development

Needs AssessmentImplementationPartnerships

Community-Based OrganizationsRecruitment & Training

VolunteersBilingual Preference

OutreachHow to educate and inform Spanish Speakers

about the mediation process?

Signage in the Clerk’s OfficeNotices at FilingsEducational flyersThe ACCESS “pitch” Outreach clinics

Malea Chavez, Esq.mchavez@sftc.org

www.sfsuperiorcourt.org

Jeniffer Alcantara, Esq.jalcantara@sftc.orgwww.sfsuperiorcourt.org

Alejandra Sirokaalejandra@languagealchemy.com www.languagealchemy.com