General Order 7.1: Purpose and Staffing
Circuit Rules and General Orders of the Ninth Circuit — General Orders — Chapter VII: Mediation Office
The Circuit Mediation Program was established pursuant to FRAP 33 and Circuit Rule 33-1. The goals of the program are to facilitate the voluntary resolution of appeals in order to reduce the Court’s workload and to offer parties an alternative to litigation to resolve their disputes.
The circuit mediators are employed by the Court to facilitate the resolution of cases and perform such other duties as the Court directs. They are experienced attorneys who have extensive training and experience in negotiation, mediation and Ninth Circuit practice and procedure. In facilitating the resolution of disputes, the mediators act as adjuncts to the Court and perform a traditional judicial function.