LASC: ATTORNEYS: APPLY TODAY TO JOIN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY’S MEDIATION VOLUNTEER PANEL

Qualified Attorneys May Submit Applications on a Rolling Basis; Attorneys Without Prior Mediation Training Can Apply by January 10, 2025, for the Court’s Free Mediation Training Program That Starts on February 19, 2025. A Second Training Session Begins on April 7, 2025, with a Deadline to Apply by February 10, 2025

To help litigants resolve their disputes quickly and efficiently, and in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.835 et seq., the Superior Court of Los Angeles County (Court) is currently accepting applications from qualified attorneys who are interested in serving as volunteers on the Court’s Mediation Volunteer Panel (MVP). Attorneys who do not meet the qualifications but want to serve on the MVP may apply for the Court’s free 25-hour mediation training session that begins on Feb. 19, 2025.

“The Court’s robust Alternative Dispute Resolution program is an efficient no or low-cost resource that court users can rely on to resolve conflicts while saving significant costs and time associated with litigating a case and going to trial,” Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II said. “Attorneys interested in volunteering on the Court’s Mediation Volunteer Panel have an exciting and meaningful opportunity to contribute to the Court’s mission in providing access to justice for all through the fair, timely, and efficient resolution of cases. I encourage all interested attorneys to apply.”

Attorneys who join the MVP program will provide virtual mediation for civil cases referred by judicial officers throughout the county. The Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Office will assign cases to the volunteer mediators, and they will dedicate preparation time and the first three hours of the mediation session to them on a pro bono basis. If the parties wish to continue the mediation, mediators may charge the hourly rate listed in their profile. The Court’s ADR webpage features additional information about the MVP, other settlement programs, and mediator profiles.

MEDIATION VOLUNTEER PANEL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

To be added to the Court’s MVP, attorney volunteers must meet the qualifications and requirements listed below and complete an application and interview. Volunteer attorneys who do not meet the qualifications but are interested in serving on the Court’s MVP may apply for Court-sponsored 25-hour mediation training. The deadline to apply for the February training session is Jan. 10, 2025. The training session begins on Feb. 19, 2025. Another training opportunity will start on April 7, 2025. The deadline to apply for the April training session is Feb. 10, 2025.

List of Qualifications:

• Completion of a minimum of 25 hours of comprehensive classroom and practical mediation training in the areas that meet California’s Dispute Resolution Program Act guidelines (California Code of Regulations, title 16, division 36, article 3, section 3622).
• Completion of a minimum of two mediations, each at least two hours long, within the past three years. Mediations may be litigated cases or community-based cases.
• Proof of membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Volunteer Attorneys Who Meet the Above Qualifications Must Also Commit to the Following Requirements:

• Commitment to prepare for and conduct at least two pro bono mediations for MVP, up to three hours long and held virtually, in a 12-month period. Or, if volunteer attorneys are receiving Court-sponsored training, they must prepare for and conduct a minimum of eight pro bono mediations for MVP, up to three hours long and held virtually over a 24-month period.
• Commitment to complete at least seven hours of continuing education or training on mediation topics every two years. At least one hour of continuing education must address mediator ethics.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE MEDIATION VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Interested applicants should also review detailed information about the qualifications and requirements on the Court’s MVP webpage. Attorneys who meet the qualifications and are willing to commit to the requirements may submit the Application for Appointment to Mediation Volunteer Panel (Form CIV 307) along with a certificate of completion for the required training to the ADR Office at MediationPanel@lacourt.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

The Court’s ADR Quality Assurance Subcommittee will make selections for the Mediation Volunteer Panel. If selected, applicants will be required to participate in a one-way video interview using an online platform and must attend a Court orientation for the program.

The Court remains committed to collaborating with the legal community to provide a range of high-quality ADR resources for civil cases, such as Resolve Law LA (RLLA) Virtual Mandatory Settlement Conference Programs for personal injury and employment cases, the low-cost Mediation Center of Los Angeles (MCLA) Referral Program and the Civil Mediation Vendor Resource List.

Questions about the MVP should be directed to the Court’s ADR Office at MediationPanel@lacourt.org.

You can view the full notice here.