Our “case studies” introduce students who have successfully completed our online family mediation training. We hope you appreciate their insights on how our training helped them build skills, establish their practices, and make a positive impact on families.
For today’s post, we interviewed family lawyer, Bayly Guslits, of Harrison Pensa Family Law (London, Ontario).
Why did you decide to take mediation training?
To be honest, I was feeling the “7-year itch”. I have loved my work as a family lawyer for the last 7 years (now almost 8), and was looking for a new challenge; a novel way to help families efficiently and effectively. Mediation is a tool I turn to frequently with family law and child protection clients, and it is almost always successful in some aspect, even if just to get the dialogue flowing.
What did you like about our training?
I really liked the emphasis on screening, and in particular the thoughtful and comprehensive approach to screening for IPV. I also really enjoyed the hands-on simulations. These were really eye-opening. For someone who has participated in dozens of mediations, it is so interesting to have the perspective of the mediator’s chair.
How have you benefited from it?
I think my screening abilities are vastly improved after taking the courses. This is a skill that isn’t really taught or exercised in law school. After taking the course, I also feel like I have a much better grasp on the theory behind mediation, which is helpful not only as an aspiring mediator but also as a practicing lawyer advising a client who is considering participating in mediation.
What are your plans for your mediation practice?
My plan is to integrate mediation into my practice and offer this service in the London/Southwestern Ontario region.
Share a little bit about yourself:
I am a Partner with the Family Law Practice Group at Harrison Pensa in London, Ontario, and serving the Southwestern Ontario region. I represent clients in all matters related to separation and divorce, including division of property, custody, access, and child and spousal support. I also assist clients in drawing up cohabitation agreements or marriage contracts.
I advocate for equity in the family law system and represent LGBTQ+ and BIPOC clients in all areas of my practice. Clients turn to me for help dealing with the Children’s Aid Society in child protection matters, adoption, surrogacy agreements and other alternative reproductive law issues. I also handle matters involving international child abduction under the Hague Convention. I am also actively involved in my community and sit on the board of a children’s mental health center.