Local Rule 16.1: Court Annexed Mediation

Local rule 16.1 Court Annexed Mediation.

(a) Purpose. This Court has established a program of voluntary mediation to assist litigants in resolving their disputes prior to trial. The Court stresses that mediation is completely voluntary and confidential. The Court strictly enforces the confidentiality of mediation. The Court encourages litigants to consider the salutary benefits of resolving their dispute at an early stage through voluntary mediation.

(b) Nature of Mediation. Mediation is a process of confidential negotiation through which parties may often achieve results which could not be obtained through submission of their case to a jury. Successful mediation saves the substantial time and expense involved with a trial. Successful mediation allows parties to alleviate the risk of trial and at the same time permits the parties to play an active role in the final decision about their case. The mediation process generally involves a joint meeting with all parties and counsel to discuss the case and each side's position. After this meeting, the mediator will meet with each side individually for a full discussion of that side's case. Throughout the process, the goal of the mediator is to assist the parties in negotiating a settlement. Often the mediator will provide to the parties a frank, honest opinion about the strengths and weaknesses of their case. Frequently, an objective viewpoint assists parties in making good decisions about settlement.