Civil Mediation and Case Evaluation Program
During the initial scheduling conference in
a civil case, the judge, parties and attorneys may select
civil mediation or case evaluation as the best forum for negotiating
a settlement. Mediation is the option most often chosen. In
mediation, a trained attorney mediator assists the parties
and their lawyers to communicate their positions and underlying
interests, and to explore possible settlement options. The
mediator does not give an evaluation or opinion of the case
but, rather, through a series of joint and individual meetings
with all sides, helps formulate a mutually acceptable agreement
between the parties. In case evaluation, the mediator-evaluator
helps the parties identify the issues in dispute and provides
a non-binding opinion of the settlement value of the case,
including the likelihood of liability and the probable range
of damages. The parties are encouraged to continue settlement
discussions with or without the evaluator's further
assistance. To ensure an efficient process, the parties must
complete discovery prior to the mediation or case evaluation
session, and submit a Confidential Settlement Statement to
the program manager.
Frequently asked questions about Civil Mediation:
What do I do to prepare for mediation?
The judge in your case will set the mediation date.
You, or your attorney if you are represented, must file a
Confidential Settlement Statement (see form below) forty days prior to your
scheduled mediation date. It can be filed in person or by
mail. This will be forwarded to your assigned mediator. Your
mediator will call you, if you are representing yourself,
or call your attorney, approximately two weeks before the
mediation date. This pre-mediation conversation with the mediator
will give you an opportunity to identify the posture of the
case, the status of settlement negotiations with opposing
counsel, and any obstacles to settlement. A productive pre-mediation
discussion often can facilitate settlement of the case.
How long does the mediation take?
It may take only one two-hour session to complete
mediation, but very complex cases may require several sessions.
Follow-up sessions will be scheduled by agreement of all parties.
What happens if we reach - or don't reach
- agreement in mediation?
If you reach an agreement, the attorneys will draft
the agreement. After your review and approval, the Court will
record the case as settled. If you don't reach an agreement
in mediation, a date for the pre-trial conference is set immediately
following mediation by Multi-Door staff.
Times and location of civil mediations:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the Mediation Center, Suite 104 of the Superior Court, Court Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W.
Very complex cases may be scheduled to meet in the assigned
mediator's office.
How to reach us:
General information: (202) 879-1557
Karen Leichtnam, Civil Branch Chief: (202) 879-0675
Claudine Head, Civil ADR Case Manager: (202) 879-0679
Andre Randall, Civil ADR Case Manager: (202) 879-9451
Forms:
Proposed Order to Continue Scheduled Mediation Date
Confidential Settlement Statement
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