Thursday 30th January 9.15-10.15am
For Mediators
This session explores issues of culture and religion that may arise in family mediation. Sarah Al-Jourani and Devorah Greenberg will share experiences of particular cultural or religious issues that have arisen in their work with separating families, and discuss how these can be addressed. Romina Kamran will then lead a discussion with the speakers about how mediators can best fufil their professional obligation to be sensitive to the needs of participants, in relation to cultural/religious issues.
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Romina Kamran has trained in family mediation since 2017 and has been dedicated to helping families find resolution and understanding as a fully accredited family mediator and member of the Family Mediation Council. Her career in mediation is built on a foundation of exceptional interpersonal skills honed during a successful corporate career in commercial sales and partnership development for technology companies in the digital communication and security industry. Romina’s professional journey has taken her across the globe, working with diverse clients from varied cultural and social backgrounds. These experiences enriched her ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life, a skill she brings to every mediation session. In addition to her mediation practice, Romina is also a qualified PPC (Professional Practice Consultant) as of 2024, a role that enables her to train and mentor aspiring mediators seeking accreditation. This leadership role highlights her dedication to raising the standards of the mediation profession and sharing her expertise with the next generation of mediators. Romina is the founder of Ark Mediation, a practice specialising in family mediation services. |
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Sarah Al-Jourani is a bi-lingual (Arabic and English) family lawyer at Irwin Mitchell LLP, with specific expertise in dealing with Sharia family law matters and the complexities that arise from Islamic marriages both internationally and in the jurisdiction of England and Wales. Sarah is the UK Chair for Inter-Cultural dialogue for the G100 and a Vice Chair of the American Bar Association International Family Law Committee. Sarah is passionate about guiding clients through the complications that arise from navigating through an Islamic divorce in England and Wales and feels strongly about advising clients of the risks and benefits ahead of entering into a Nikah agreement, to ensure that their religious and cultural interests can be intertwined with the applicable law. |
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Devorah Greenberg is a tri-lingual family mediator, fluent in English, Hebrew, and French, who works at Sage Mediation, Turner & Johnson Mediation and True North Mediation. While she supports a wide range of clients, she has particular experience with Jewish divorce (the ‘get’ process) and the unique challenges that can arise in the breakdown of Jewish marriages. Devorah often works alongside Jewish courts, judges and lawyers in England, Israel and internationally, helping clients navigate the nuances of both civil and Jewish issues in a way that is sensitive to their level of religious observance and personal needs. She is dedicated to guiding clients through the divorce process with a focus on clarity, respect, and understanding of both legal and religious aspects. |
