However, the Court encourages parties to confer among themselves and consent to mediation. A civil action may be referred to mediation at any time. However, one of the advantages of mediation is that, if successful, it enables parties to avoid the time and expense of discovery and trial. If parties consent to mediation, they may choose a mediator either from the list of certified mediators maintained by the Court or by the selection of a private mediator. If a civil action is referred to mediation without consent of the parties, the judicial officer responsible for supervision of the program will select the mediator.
Mediation is non-judgmental.
The role of the mediator is to assist the parties in reaching a resolution of their dispute. The parties may confer with the mediator on an ex parte basis. Anything said to the mediator will be deemed to be confidential and will not be revealed to another party or to others without the party s consent. The first six hours of a mediator s time is free. If you would like further information with regard to the mediation program please review the Guidelines for Mediation, Appendix Q to the Local Civil Rules .