Court of Appeals

Where are mediations held?

burnsj@dcsc.gov — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:04:12 +0000

Where are mediations held? burnsj@dcsc.gov 02, Fri/13/2026 - 10:04

Unless otherwise directed, mediations are held at 510 4th St. N.W., 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20001.

Category

Court of Appeals

Is there a fee for mediation?

burnsj@dcsc.gov — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:03:11 +0000

Is there a fee for mediation? burnsj@dcsc.gov 02, Fri/13/2026 - 10:03

No, the mediation program is a service offered by the court at no charge to the participants.

Category

Court of Appeals

May litigants select the mediator who will mediate their case?

burnsj@dcsc.gov — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:01:10 +0000

May litigants select the mediator who will mediate their case? burnsj@dcsc.gov 02, Fri/13/2026 - 10:01

The mediator is selected by the court based on the circumstances of the individual case and the expertise of the mediator.

Category

Court of Appeals

Can parties or attorneys request mediation?

burnsj@dcsc.gov — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:00:07 +0000

Can parties or attorneys request mediation? burnsj@dcsc.gov 02, Fri/13/2026 - 10:00

Yes, if the case type is one that is eligible for mediation. The request can be made by contacting the Mediation Program Coordinator at mediation [at] dcappeals.gov.

Category

Court of Appeals

How does having your case selected for mediation affect the briefing schedule?

burnsj@dcsc.gov — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:57:27 +0000

How does having your case selected for mediation affect the briefing schedule? burnsj@dcsc.gov 02, Fri/13/2026 - 09:57

In most cases selected for mediation, the appellate process deadlines, such as the obligation to order the transcript and file briefs, will be put on hold until the mediation process has concluded. If the case does not settle in mediation, the appellate deadlines will start again.

Category

Court of Appeals

Is the mediation process confidential?

burnsj@dcsc.gov — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:56:08 +0000

Is the mediation process confidential? burnsj@dcsc.gov 02, Fri/13/2026 - 09:56

Except as provided by statute, the mediator, participants in the mediation and Mediation Program staff are required to keep information relating to the mediation confidential. Participants may also share information with persons who are directly or indirectly a participant in the negotiations.

The only information that the mediator and mediation program staff may share with the court is limited to: whether mediation occurred or was terminated; whether a settlement was reached; who attended the mediation; and information contained in a written settlement agreement signed by all parties to the agreement.

Additionally, the mediator may disclose information shared during a mediation that indicates abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation of an individual to a public agency responsible for protecting such individuals from such mistreatment.

Category

Court of Appeals

Who must attend the mediation?

burnsj@dcsc.gov — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:54:18 +0000

Who must attend the mediation? burnsj@dcsc.gov 02, Fri/13/2026 - 09:54

All parties, counsel, and any non-party who has authority to resolve the case must be present at the mediation session. Sanctions may be imposed by the court if a party or counsel does not attend a scheduled mediation session unless they have been excused by mediation program staff in advance of the mediation.

Category

Court of Appeals

Is mediation in the Court of Appeals voluntary?

burnsj@dcsc.gov — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:52:32 +0000

Is mediation in the Court of Appeals voluntary? burnsj@dcsc.gov 02, Fri/13/2026 - 09:52

Mediation is voluntary in the respect that the parties have the power to decide whether to settle the appeal and the underlying dispute.

However, the decision as to whether a party will participate in the mediation process is not voluntary. Although the attorneys for the parties to an appeal are often consulted, the decision as to whether a case is scheduled for mediation rests with the Court.

Once a case is scheduled for mediation, parties are required to attend the mediation session. It is expected that parties will participate in the process in good faith and are encouraged to use the time they spend in a mediation session productively.

Category

Court of Appeals

Are pro se cases (cases where at least one party is not represented by counsel) eligible for mediation?

burnsj@dcsc.gov — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:50:10 +0000

Are pro se cases (cases where at least one party is not represented by counsel) eligible for mediation? burnsj@dcsc.gov 02, Fri/13/2026 - 09:50

No, to be eligible for mediation all parties must be represented by counsel. If a matter is deemed appropriate for mediation, pro bono counsel may be appointed.

Category

Court of Appeals

What types of cases are eligible for mediation?

burnsj@dcsc.gov — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:49:11 +0000

What types of cases are eligible for mediation? burnsj@dcsc.gov 02, Fri/13/2026 - 09:49

Civil cases where all parties are represented by counsel are eligible for mediation, including probate cases, marital property and child custody cases, and administrative appeals. Civil cases that are not eligible for mediation are matters from the juvenile court; cases involving attorney licensing, the unauthorized practice of law, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights, adoption and the guardianship of minors.
Additionally, criminal cases are not eligible for mediation.

Category

Court of Appeals