Rule 12 Qualifications of Mediators

To be qualified to serve as a CNMI mediator in relation to an action that has been ordered to mediation in accordance with these Rules, a person must be approved as a Court-Approved Mediator by the Supreme Court.

(a) Requirements for Approval. To be approved as a mediator, a person must pay an application fee as provided in the Judiciary fee schedule and submit to the Chief Justice of the CNMI Supreme Court, and the Chief Justice must approve, a sworn Application for CNMI Court-Approved Mediator that sets forth:

(1) all information and agreements requested on the Application form and

(2) a sworn statement demonstrating:

(A) that the applicant has completed an acceptable mediation education and/or training program or course, or

(B) previous substantial experience as a mediator, or

(C) substantial professional experience including more than 5 years in practice in civil litigation and participation in at least 10 mediations or other substantial experience with mediation, or

(D) facts and/or circumstances that demonstrate qualification as a mediator and/or otherwise establishes a reasonable basis for approval as a Court-Approved Mediator.

(b) Additional Requirements. The CNMI Supreme Court may require additional qualifications, training, and/or experience of mediators from time to time.

(c) Duty of Due Diligence. Mediators have a duty of due diligence to ensure they are qualified to mediate pursuant to these Rules.