Chico Education Consultant, Trainer, & Mediator, Dr. Benjamin J. Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.

Chico Education Consultant

Just Need Employee Training?

Click here to get the full training list and schedule today!

HR Employment Law Trainings for Educational Institutions, Faculty, Staff, & Administrators

Work with Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D., to schedule your customized virtual or on-site trainings.
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Your Solution for Conflict Resolution

Dealing with institutional conflict, employee complaints, and other workplace issues?

Dr. Earwicker can help!

VirNet Mediation offers a 3-step approach for schools, colleges, & universities dealing with conflict, complaints, and other HR issues

1. Consultation

2. Investigation & Recommendations

3. Training

Chico Education Consultant

Use our 3-step approach to resolve and prevent future conflict 

Contact Dr. Earwicker Today!

Step 1

Consultation
  • Discuss and identify issues & scope; provide initial recommendations; create an action plan

Step 2

Investigation
  • Review documentation; conduct interviews & listening sessions; draft comprehensive reports with detailed recommendations

Step 3

Training
  • Customized training on any HR employment law topic; sexual harassment, DEI, respectful workplace & more

Meet Dr. Earwicker, Chico Education Consultant

Dr. Ben Earwicker provides expert mediation services, both online and remotely.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D., provides expert mediation & consultation, drawing on his nearly two decades of experience with conflict resolution and mediation. He has successfully mediated hundreds of disputes through his national private practice and administration of a state-wide mediation program through the Idaho Human Rights Commission.

Why Mediate with Dr. Earwicker?

Ben’s empathetic approach to conflict resolution ensures the best potential for reaching agreement and discovering a way through conflict. He knows how to navigate complex, technical, and emotionally-charged disputes in almost any context, from employment and labor disputes to family and divorce conflicts to contracts and corporate negotiations. Ben has helped many parties reach mutually-acceptable outcomes through his expert mediation and dispute resolution services.

Contact Dr. Earwicker today, and lean on Ben’s expertise to help resolve your conflict.

The Solution for Your Conflict Resolution

Conflict comes in all shapes and sizes. But at its core, all conflict represents a huge drain of time, money, energy, and other resources. And even though your instinct may be to fight it out, costly legal battles and unresolved conflict can drag on for years with no end in sight.

The cost of conflict is enormous.

Think about the cost of your conflict. Even though you might be on the right side of the situation, there’s no guarantee you can convince the other party of that. In fact, conflict tends to polarize positions and make things even worse over time. Fighting to win is exhausting, and it eventually takes its toll.  

That’s where my mediation can help.

Done right, mediation offers a fresh perspective from a neutral third-party. With mediation, you can finally find a way through your conflict with a skilled facilitator who knows how to assist in a productive negotiation and the conflict resolution process. 

Use my expertise to get “unstuck.”

There’s nothing worse than feeling stuck in a conflict you can’t escape. Even if you have the means to fight it out in court or see the conflict through to the bitter end, it’s rarely worth it.

I can help.

Talk with me today about how my mediation services can help you move more quickly through your conflict toward resolution and settlement. 

Put this conflict behind you, once and for all.

Contact Dr. Earwicker

Chico Education Consultant

We have what you need for mediation, consultation, investigation, and training

Step 1

Consultation
  • Discuss Issues
  • Identify Key Players
  • Determine Scope
  • Discuss Framework & Approach
  • Provide Initial Estimates
  • Develop an Action Plan
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Step 2

Investigation
  • Document Review
  • Issue Evaluation
  • Interviews & Listening Sessions
  • Individual & Group Sessions
  • Ongoing Consultation
  • Comprehensive Report/Findings
  • Detailed Recommendations
Contact Dr. Earwicker Today!

Step 3

Training
  • Any HR Employment Law Topics
  • State & Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws
  • Sexual Harassment Prevention
  • Respectful Workplace
  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
  • Manager-Specific Disability Law, Harassment Prevention, & More!
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Contact Dr. Earwicker Today!

Chico Education Consultant, Trainer, and mediator

HR & Employment Law Trainings

Dr. Earwicker provides a range of Human Resources and employment law trainings based on his extensive experience as director of an administrative law enforcement agency, mediator, attorney, academic administrator, and professor. Trainings are tailored to your institution and employee needs, and topics can be expanded or combined, depending on your preferences. 

The following list includes the most commonly requested trainings; others are available on request:

  1. Harassment and Sexual Harassment Prevention

  2. State and Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws

  3. Respectful Workplace: Preventing and Addressing Harassment, Discrimination, and Incivility

  4. Workplace Reporting and Resolution Procedures

  5. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Something for Everyone

  6. Disability Accommodations and the Interactive Process

  7. Service Animals in the Workplace and Public Places

  8. Hiring and Firing Best Practices for Managers and Supervisors

  9. How and When do the ADA and FMLA overlap?

  10. Terms and Conditions of Employment: Best Practices for Supervisors to Maintain Fairness and Equity in the Workplace

  11. Updates on Specific Statutes (ADA, Title VII, PWFA, etc.)

  12. Sex, gender, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity: State and Federal Protections in the Workplace

  13. Age and Age Discrimination in the Workplace: Preventing Discrimination Against Older Workers

  14. EEOC and State Agency Investigative Processes: What You Can Expect When You are a Party to a Case Before an Fair Employment Practice Agency or Commission

Chico Education Consultant, Mediator, & Trainer Consultation - Contact Dr. Earwicker Today!

Ready for your free, no-obligation consultation?

If you have questions about mediation and whether mediation would be a good fit for you and your situation, use this form to send Dr. Earwicker a message, and we’ll set up an initial, free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation in greater detail.  Dr. Earwicker can provide you with answers to your questions and a specific estimate, based on your mediation needs.

Call or Text Ben directly at (208) 440-5973

Please describe the type of mediation you are interested in, and any other information you would like me to know about your mediation needs.

Employment & Labor Mediation in Chico

Chico Education Consultant Dr. Ben Earwicker can help resolve any school, college, or university dispute

Sometimes, educational workplace interactions can take a turn for the worse. Whether you’re dealing with interpersonal conflict, personnel issues, contract and labor disputes, discrimination complaints, or any other employment issue, educational mediation can provide a way forward. The situation doesn’t have to keep escalating; you can work with a neutral, third-party education consultant to help resolve the conflict and create a fresh start.

Educational Mediation, Consultation, & Training Solutions in Chico

Whether you are an employee, manager, or employer, you can access the benefits of mediation to resolve workplace conflict. Dr. Earwicker – your education consultant with expertise in mediation, consulting, and training – can help you address any type of labor and employment dispute, at any stage of conflict. Contact us today to discuss our mediation services and how we can best meet your mediation needs. Generate the type of results you want with our expert education consultant, mediator, and trainer, Dr. Earwicker.

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Employment & Labor Resources in California

As in other states, private and public employers in California are required to comply with both state and federal employment laws for everything from overtime pay to Family Medical Leave Act leave and disability accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Employees and employers in the state have a number of resources for navigating issues in the workplace.

The California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the state’s equivalent of the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), provides oversight of wage and hour issues, unemployment insurance, and other state workplace regulations and statutes. (To compare state and federal regulations, for example, you can view state policies on minimum wage and other workplace information on the USDOL site). The Department also provides economic data and resources to employers in the state. 

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a federal agency, provides resources, information, and guidance to employers and employees in Arkansas. The EEOC also investigates and adjudicates discrimination complaints in the state. The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing operates in the state as a Fair Employment Practice Agency (FEPA). A state or local FEPA enforces state anti-discrimination laws and often has a workshare agreement in place with the federal EEOC so they can work together to process state and federal complaints at the same time.

What Clients Are Saying

We did mediation for a family law/custody dispute. This was a complex case with lots of issues and additional third parties. Ben navigated the issues well, making each side feel heard and respected. It took a long time (because of the contentious nature of the matter, not Ben’s services), but we eventually came to an agreement. We could not have done this without Ben!
Angelica P. - Berkeley, California
Angelica P. - Berkeley, California
Our experience with Ben was in an educational setting. Our independent school was going through some trouble with the relationship between the board and the school leadership. This is a really important partnership, so we decided to engage a mediator to bring us to a better position. Ben was willing and able to help us with communication, policies, and problem-solving when we could not get there on our own. He was really helpful to us, and we learned a lot about communicating thanks to his support. I would definitely recommend Ben's mediation in any environment. He took the time to visit us, learn about our school, meet all of the main and auxiliary players, and find a solution that worked for us. He has been a great resource!
S.B. - Charleston, South Carolina
S.B. - Charleston, South Carolina
We wanted to express our deepest gratitude for all of Ben's help in guiding us through the divorce settlement process. His professionalism, expertise, and understanding made a significant difference in making this difficult time more manageable for both of us. Ben's commitment to facilitating a peaceful resolution allowed us to part ways amicably, and we believe it has played a crucial role in helping us move forward and heal faster.
Dr. Sean & Lisa B. - Montana
A diverse group of smiling professionals. Contact virtual mediation today to discuss and schedule confidential mediation services with Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.
I highly recommend Dr. Ben Earwicker for his exceptional mediation services. During our divorce process, he guided my spouse and me with kindness and grace, making a challenging situation much smoother. Ben's expertise eased discussions about dividing assets and money, turning what could be uncomfortable into a manageable process. We are truly grateful for his outstanding service.
Nicolaas K. - Columbus, Georgia
A diverse group of smiling professionals. Contact virtual mediation today to discuss and schedule confidential mediation services with Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.
Ben is the best, very professional! I really appreciate the way he listens to us and accurately dials in on what is most important to each person in mediation. You can tell he cares and wants to guide us toward a healthier family atmosphere without abandoning our individual self interests and goals. I do enjoy communicating with him on a personal level as well. He is congenial and helpful. Hire him, you won't regret it.
Janet P. - Long Beach, California
A diverse group of smiling professionals. Contact virtual mediation today to discuss and schedule confidential mediation services with Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.
I contacted Ben for a serious personnel conflict at my workplace. Ben offered support to all individuals who were affected by the conflict, and let each of them feel heard. We worked together to find solutions and avenues to alleviate the issue. Ben is personable, professional, and knowledgeable in many fields. At the time of our first conversation I felt that I could trust him, and that he would work hard to find a way to mitigate the workplace conflict. Ben has continued to work with my organization to navigate through some big transitions, and has easily earned the confidence of everyone involved. He is invested in finding solutions. I would recommend Ben's services to anyone seeking mediation, personal or professional. I have been consistently impressed with his work and his ability to make people feel safe and respected. In my opinion, this is a crucial step in any mediation. Everyone in my organization has enjoyed their interactions with Ben, and he has helped us to become a more effective team.
Susan H. - Charleston, South Carolina
Susan H. - Charleston, South Carolina
I had the pleasure of working with Ben for several years, and I can confidently say that he is one of the most hardworking and intelligent individuals I have ever collaborated with. But what really sets Ben apart is his passion and dedication to his work. He truly believes in the projects he takes on and puts his heart and soul into delivering quality outcomes that benefit all parties involved. Whether he is leading a team or working independently, Ben consistently delivers exceptional results. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence are truly unmatched, and his positive attitude and enthusiasm for his work make him a joy to work with.
Rodger Petrik - Boise, IdahoCEO, LRP3G LLC
Rodger Petrik - Boise, Idaho
I don’t usually leave reviews but felt compelled to do so after working with Ben. Finding Ben as a mediator for our divorce was a godsend. I spoke with many lawyers and mediators prior to finding Ben and none came close to his level of excellence (even ones that charge 3 x more). His responsiveness, thoughtfulness, fairness and ability to find common ground and creative solutions to disagreements are all second to none. He made both of us feel heard, and even when I thought a negotiation or agreement was doomed to fail, he came up with a plan or idea that worked for both of us and we finalized our divorce quickly and fairly. I could go on but suffice to say, if you’re considering mediation services (better than lawyers) and you’ve come across Ben, consider yourself lucky, do yourself a favor, and hire him.
Justin D. - Santa Cruz, California
A diverse group of smiling professionals. Contact virtual mediation today to discuss and schedule confidential mediation services with Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.
Ben assisted with our divorce mediation and child custody. He had great communication with quick responses. Ben was respectful to our needs and wants. He was able to talk through and write up an agreement that met our goals. He was very pleasant, easy to talk to and gave us peace to during a not so easy time and topic. I would recommend Ben to someone considering mediation.
Marlie - North Dakota
A diverse group of smiling professionals. Contact virtual mediation today to discuss and schedule confidential mediation services with Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.
Ben provided marital mediation for my wife and I. Mediation is hard work and Ben helps to lighten the load through his leadership, structured process, and empathy. I appreciate that he did all he could take make every minute count since it is a big investment. I came out of mediation with Ben feeling that I received valuable information that I needed to navigate a very difficult, painful, and complicated situation. The knowledge gained through mediation has boosted my confidence, which I needed in this time. I'm thankful to Ben and would use his services again if needed.
James P. - Colville, Washington
A diverse group of smiling professionals. Contact virtual mediation today to discuss and schedule confidential mediation services with Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.
Ben is a very knowledgeable professional. He is thoroughly professional. We luckily found him on the net and we had a great experience. He is patient, very open to suggestions and an honest professional. I strongly recommend him as a professional.
Tarun Sadana - Texas & Chandigarh, IndiaCEO, Kimhoa Enterprises & iserveworld.com
A diverse group of smiling professionals. Contact virtual mediation today to discuss and schedule confidential mediation services with Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.
Ben was very helpful, kind and experienced when we used him for our divorce. The overall experience was very good. He made us feel very comfortable and relaxed.
Jen A. - Waterbury, Connecticut
Jen A. - Waterbury, Connecticut
Ben is a great asset to any organization. He has great written and verbal communication skills, is extremely organized, reliable, and innovative. Ben has a wonderful rapport with everyone he works with. I recommend Ben without reservation.
Joanna Vanderpool Black - Salt Lake City, UtahBusiness Instructor & College Advisor, Jordan S.D. & SLC Community College
Joanna Vanderpool Black - Salt Lake City, Utah

Frequently Asked Questions - Chico Education Consultant

What Does Mediation Look Like?

Mediation is a structured conversation and negotiation. The parties first meet separately with Dr. Earwicker. He explores each person's goals, ideals, and interests in detail. This helps structure mediation conversations. In some divorce mediations, parties opt to provide written position statements prior to the mediation, but that is not required. After meeting with the parties, Dr. Earwicker will schedule the mediation. Typically, the mediation occurs in separate rooms. In some cases (or upon request), Dr. Earwicker will bring the parties together in the same room, either virtually or in-person. In other cases, the parties will not meet face-to-face. Either way, Dr. Earwicker facilitates the discussion and structures the mediation to move the parties toward a negotiated solution. If the parties agree on one or more issues, Dr. Earwicker provides a written settlement agreement for the parties to review and sign. Any mediation agreement is completely voluntary and between the parties to the dispute.

Do I Have to See the Other Party Face-to-Face?

In any mediation, face-to-face contact is not required for a successful mediation. Sometimes it may be beneficial to convene a joint session with the parties all in one room (either virtually or in-person). At other times, depending on the nature of the conflict, face-to-face interaction may not be desirable or warranted. Ultimately, it is up to the parties to decide whether or not to meet face-to-face. This is true whether the mediation services are provided virtually or in-person.

Is Mediation Binding?

Unlike arbitration (where an arbitrator issues a binding decision on the facts of the case), mediation does not result in a binding decision by the mediator. The parties in a mediation are the ones who decide whether to agree on one or more issues. Only they can "bind" the other party through mutual agreement. In this way, a mediation settlement agreement between the parties can be binding as a contract between them. But the mediator's job is not to make a decision. Rather, the mediator facilitates discussions between the parties and helps them arrive at an agreed-upon solution.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Mediate?

Hiring an attorney is not a pre-requisite to mediation. At the same time, you are always welcome to hire an attorney who represents you and your interests in mediation. Keep in mind that the mediator is a neutral party and does not represent either party in the dispute. Thus, you may elect to seek out legal representation if you want someone who can represent you and your interests. Ultimately, though, the success of mediation depends on the parties' willingness to engage in good faith and work toward solutions. Hiring an attorney may or may not further those goals.

How Long Does Mediation Take?

The length of mediation depends on the number and complexity of issues mediated. Some mediations with fairly straightforward issues can be conducted in just a few hours. Most divorce mediations take between 10-15 hours to complete, including pre-mediation work with the parties, the mediation itself, and post-mediation settlement work. Some mediations with more complex issues, more than two parties, or other pending legal matters may take longer. On average, though, planning for 10 hours of mediation is a reasonable estimate.

Should I Just Mediate My Own Dispute to Save Time and Money?

Mediations are like any other professional service: it is in your best interest to contract with a trained and experienced mediator like Dr. Earwicker in order to navigate the complexities of negotiations and conflict resolution. There is great value in hiring a third-party neutral - the mediator - to assist with the process of conflict resolution. A trained, experienced mediator can skillfully navigate complex interpersonal, psychological, and transactional dynamics. A skilled neutral brings a fresh perspective and a dispassionate evaluation of the situation. This third-party view, especially when coupled with expertise and skill, is an invaluable part of the mediation process.

Is Virtual Mediation as Good as In-Person Mediation?

Advances in technology have made it possible to replicate the effectiveness of in-person mediation services in remote, online, and virtual formats. Some people prefer the in-person format because of the ability to be in the same room with the other party or parties to a dispute. This can be true for any type of dispute, from divorce mediations to contract negotiations and employment disputes. However, all of the dynamics of an effective mediation (including separate "caucuses" and joint "conferences") are easily replicated in virtual platforms. Virtual mediation can also save time and money, because there are no transportation costs, and parties in different locations do not have to negotiate the location of an in-person mediation. In short, virtual mediation can be just as effective as in-person mediation services. Live video streaming and other online technologies make virtual mediation just as effective as in-person counterparts.

How Much Will Mediation Cost?

Prices include all mediation services, from pre-convening consultation through post-mediation settlement work.

Initial Consultation

Free No Obligation Consultation
  • 30 Minutes
  • Consultation covers the Nature and Extent of Conflict and Goals for all Parties Involved
  • No Obligation to Continue with VirNet Mediation
  • Discuss your Situation in Depth
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Hourly Rate

Contact
for Hourly Rates and a Custom Estimate
  • Competitive Rates
  • Total Hours Depend on Nature and Extent of Conflict
  • Billing can be Divided
  • Convenient Scheduling
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Chico Education Consultant, Trainer, and Mediator

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