General Order 7.3: Cases Subject to Mediation
Circuit Rules and General Orders of the Ninth Circuit — General Orders — Chapter VII: Mediation Office
The mediators may act on their own initiative in any matter pending before the Court that has not been assigned to a panel. Where a panel has been assigned, they may act only with the permission and at the direction of the panel.
The Mediation Questionnaire is the primary means by which the mediators identify cases for inclusion in the mediation program. Counsel in any matter pending before the Court may contact the mediation office to seek assistance in pursuing the voluntary resolution of a case. Only in extraordinary circumstances and with permission of the chief circuit mediator will the mediators participate in negotiations involving pro se litigants. (Rev. 12/13/10)
Any panel may refer a case to the mediation program at any time. Upon referral of a case, the mediator assigned to the case may enter orders related to the mediation function. In cases assigned to a merits panel, the panel may defer or vacate submission pending the outcome of mediation.