The criteria for selection include ten years in civil trial litigation and a good reputation. The court provides training for new mediators. Selection for case. District and magistrate judges, as well as attorneys, may serve as mediators. If an attorney is desired, the parties generally select the mediator from the court's roster of approved neutrals.
Litigants are also free to select a mediator outside the court's list.
The court has no formal guidelines for disqualification and reports that conflicts are generally addressed by the parties and the mediator. If a conflict becomes evident, the mediator informs the court. The court does not have a rule regarding immunity but is discussing the issue. No charges are incurred if a judge hosts the mediation. The mediation program is administered by each district judge for cases referred by that judge.