The Temporary Assigned Judges Civil Mediation Program offers free mediation services to help parties settle disputes without court adjudication. Retired judges, trained as mediators, facilitate these sessions. Ultimately, this will allow parties to resolve their civil disputes in a timely manner without further court proceedings.
- Timing: Remote appearances will be held for pre-mediation conferences. Mediation sessions are held in person, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Eligibility: Cases in which counsel representing the parties have stipulated to mediation and been ordered by the judge assigned to the case.
Process
- The Independent Calendar (IC) Judge will accept the stipulation of the parties to participate in Assigned Judge Mediation and order the parties to submit a Joint Request for Assigned Judge Mediation (SDSC Form #CIV-419).
- Counsel will email a completed Joint Request for Assigned Judge Mediation (SDSC Form #CIV-419) to the Assigned Judge Mediation Coordinator at [email protected].
- The Assigned Judge Mediation Coordinator will:
- contact the mediator to confirm availability and that no disqualification issues exist.
- Once the mediator is confirmed, the Assigned Judge Mediation Coordinator will:
- coordinate the date and time for the remote pre-mediation conference.
- email counsel the mediator’s name and contact information, the date and time of the remote pre-mediation conference.
- coordinate the date and time for the mediation and reserve Room 355/356 in the Hall of Justice.
- The link to attend the remote Pre-Mediation Conference may be found on the How to Appear for Your Hearing page. At least one attorney for each party must attend the pre-mediation conference.
- Mediation will occur within 45 days and will take place on the third floor of the Hall of Justice in Rooms 355 and 356. Counsel, parties, and individuals with settlement authority will be ordered to attend.
- The Assigned Judge Mediator will:
- conduct a remote pre-mediation conference.
- set the date/time for mediation
- conduct mediation and set future hearings as needed.
- At the conclusion of mediation:
- Direct parties to file a Notice of Settlement (JC Form #CM-200) if the case has been settled. OR
- File a Statement of Agreement or Nonagreement (JC Form #ADR-100) if the case is not settled.