California Mediation Lawyers

The mediator generally does not give an overall evaluation of the case. Mediation can extend beyond traditional settlement discussion to broaden the range of resolution options, often by exploring litigants' needs and interests that may be independent of the legal issues in controversy. See ADR LR 6-1 ADR LR 6-10

Preservation of right to trial:
The mediator has no power to impose settlement and does not attempt to coerce a party to accept any proposed terms. The parties' discovery, disclosure and motion practice rights are fully preserved. The parties may agree to a binding settlement. If no settlement is reached, the case remains on the litigation track.

The neutral:
The court's ADR staff appoints a mediator who is available and has no apparent conflicts of interest. The parties may object to the mediator if they perceive a conflict of interest.

Mediators on the court's panel have the following qualifications:

The court’s panel also includes non-lawyer mediators if they meet the other qualifications and they have appropriate professional credentials in another discipline. Non-lawyer mediators are appointed only with the consent of the parties.