The South African Association of Mediators (SAAM) invites you to an engaging two-hour webinar on 16 May 2025, that explores an important question: Is the presence of attorneys in mediation a help or a hindrance?
As mediation becomes increasingly embedded within family law practice, it is vital for legal professionals—both attorneys and advocates—to understand the process, its strengths and limitations, and how they can contribute meaningfully to it.
 
Why Attend?
The legal profession is often rooted in an adversarial approach, which may lead to the perception that attorneys hinder rather than help in mediation. This webinar aims to dispel that myth by showcasing the critical and constructive role attorneys can play across three key phases of the mediation process:
 
Pre-mediation referral and preparation
Active participation during mediation
Post-mediation implementation and finalisation
 
Whether acting as mediators or representing clients, attorneys have a valuable contribution to make in fostering collaboration, resolution, and long-term family stability.
 
Presented by:

Barbara Malan, Director at B-Malan Attorneys Inc
With over a decade of experience in family and commercial law, Barbara is a seasoned litigation attorney, mediator, and legal consultant. Her extensive work across high-conflict matters has reinforced her belief in mediation as a powerful alternative to adversarial litigation. She brings both practical experience and strategic insight to this discussion.

Prof. Madelene (Leentjie) de Jong
A distinguished academic and authority on family law, Prof. de Jong is an admitted attorney, accredited mediator, and parenting coordinator. Her involvement with the South African Law Reform Commission, her academic leadership over the years at UNISA and currently at the University of Limpopo, and her practical experience as a mediator and parenting coordinator make her uniquely positioned to discuss the evolving intersection between legal practice and mediation.
 
Who should attend?
Family-law attorneys and advocates
Legal practitioners interested in mediation
Mediators and legal academics
ADR professionals
 
👉 To register, visit www.saam.org.za/webinarbookings
We look forward to your participation in what promises to be a thought-provoking and professionally enriching session.