A Video Recording of this JADE Session is available for viewing by Members
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Via ZOOM
Guest Coach: Marc Bhalla, LL.M., (DR), C.Med, C.Arb
A challenge for many mediators is presented when mediation participants have unequal representation in the process. When one party “lawyers up” and another represents themselves, concerns can arise around power imbalance, preparation and understanding.
Questions of fairness inevitably arise as the mediator’s role shifts between parties. Perceptions have to be managed surrounding such things as neutrality and legal advice.
The first JADE session of 2022 will feature a short talk about working with self-represented parties in mediation and a role play presenting the unique challenges in play with such dynamics.
Download the role-play overview


A longtime JADE supporter, Marc Bhalla (he/him) [biracial] is a mediator, arbitrator and teacher based in Toronto, who works online. He earned a Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall Law School and holds the Chartered Mediator and Chartered Arbitrator designations of the ADR Institute of Canada.
Marc has been widely published and has spoken across the country, including in an academic context. He is accredited as a trainer by the ADR Institute of Canada and the Law Society of Ontario.
As a member of the faculty of the Canadian Collaborative for Engagement & Conflict Management, Marc teaches online dispute resolution, med-arb and arbitration. He is launching a five hour self-paced workshop in January 2022 focused on mediating with self-represented parties that has been accredited for 5 professionalism hours by the Law Society of Ontario.
Marc combines decades of experience mediating with self-represented parties with research on the topic completed during his Master’s studies and in the creation of his new workshop. Please visit 456dr.ca to learn more about Marc.
Marc Bhalla is a member of the Condominium Authority Tribunal and is presenting in his private capacity as a Faculty Member of the Canadian Collaborative for Engagement & Conflict Management, focused on issues beyond the jurisdiction of the Tribunal. Marc does not speak on behalf of the Condominium Authority of Ontario or the Condominium Authority Tribunal. Any opinions that he expresses are his alone and not those of the Condominium Authority of Ontario or the Condominium Authority Tribunal. Marc is not able to speak about issues before the Condominium Authority Tribunal and will not be speaking about matters that could come before it.