The director of courtroom services and two arbitration deputy clerks manage the arbitration program. In addition, a district judge oversees the arbitration program. Mediation in New York Eastern Overview Description and authorization. In addition to its mandatory program for arbitration, the Eastern District of New York has instituted a mediation program, first under its CJRA plan and subsequently by Local Civil Rule 83.11. The purpose of the program is to help parties settle disputes through joint and separate sessions with an attorney neutral.
Parties select mediators, who serve pro bono, from the court's roster or from another source.
Number of cases. Case selection Eligibility of cases. All civil cases are eligible for the mediation program. Judges and magistrate judges may designate civil cases for inclusion in the mediation program and when doing so must prepare an order to that effect. Alternatively, subject to the availability of qualified mediators, parties may consent to participate in mediation by preparing a stipulation signed by all parties and ordered by the court.