For several years (commencing in 2003) the ADR Section, in conjunction with the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association, has established criteria for the various categories of Panel designations. These have remained essentially the same with few exceptions. Below are the Requirements for each of the Panel Categories as of July, 2009.
There is a $100.00 one time fee to process the application and confirm that mediator qualifications and requirements are met. This will also get a listing and a bio into the Court Binder, upon approval. This payment should be forwarded to the ADR section with your application with a check made payable to the “San Luis Obispo County Bar Association.”
Limited Panel Member
- Training: A minimum of 42 hours of basic mediation training from a recognized provider of dispute resolution training for litigated cases. Examples: Pepperdine University Straus Institute – “Mediating the Litigated Case;” Harvard’s “Negotiation Project;” JAMS training programs, etc. These are just examples. Other types of training would qualify as well provided that it is from a recognized facility or provider and relates to mediating cases in litigation or where legal issues are involved that would be litigated if not settled.
- Experience: Completed at least ten (10) mediations either through a court program or private mediations in litigated cases or cases involving legal issues that would be litigated if not settled.
- Memberships: According the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association Bylaws members of sections must be members of the SLO County Bar Association. Each Panel Member must be a member of the State, County of SLO Bar Associations and Member of the ADR Section.
- Support Commitment: The Panel Member must be committed to supporting the efforts of the Bar Association and ADR Section in assisting its members to improve the quality of the practice of law and the practice of ADR, implementing and promoting the highest professional and ethical standards possible. It is the goal of the Bar Association and the ADR Section to maintain the highest quality of professionals and services to those who put trust in those providing ADR Services.
- Ethical Standards Commitment: Each Panel Member will provide an oath that they will adhere to and abide by the Ethical Standards of Practice for cases involving court-annexed mediations as set forth in California Rules of Court §§3.850 -3.868.
Unlimited Panel Member
- Training: A minimum of sixty (60) hours of basic mediation training from a recognized provider of dispute resolution training for litigated cases. Examples: Pepperdine University Straus Institute – “Mediating the Litigated Case;” Harvard’s “Negotiation Project;” JAMS training programs, etc. These are just examples. Other types of training would qualify as well provided if from a recognized facility or provider and relates to mediating cases in litigation or where legal issues are involved that would be litigated if not settled or resolved through arbitration. Sufficient proof of education and training must be provided.
- Experience: Completed at least twenty-five (25) mediations either through a court program or private mediations in litigated cases or cases involving legal issues that would be litigated if not settled. Sufficient proof must be provided.
- References: Provide at least six (6) written references or positive letters from attorney or party participants attesting to the effectiveness and abilities of the Panel Member.
- Memberships: According the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association Bylaws members of sections must be members of the SLO County Bar Association. Each Panel Member must be a member of the State, County of SLO Bar Associations and Members of the ADR Section.
- Errors and Omissions Insurance: The Panel Member must obtain and maintain E & O insurance with minimum per occurrence limits of $250,000.00.
- Support Commitment: The Panel Member must be committed to actively supporting the efforts of the Bar Association and ADR Section in assisting its members to improve the quality of the practice of law and the practice of ADR, learning, implementing and promoting the highest professional and ethical standards possible. It is the goal of the Bar Association and the ADR Section to maintain the highest quality of professionals and services to those who put trust in those providing ADR Services.
- Ethical Standards Commitment: Each Panel Member will provide an oath that they will adhere to and abide by the Ethical Standards of Practice for cases involving court-annexed mediations as set forth in California Rules of Court §§3.850 -3.868.
Advanced Practitioner
All of the requirements for the Unlimited Panel plus the following:
- At least one-hundred (100) hours of mediation training/education through a credentialed or other recognized university, school, MCLE-approved provider, which may include hours for degrees, certificates or other recognition of training and education focused on ADR in litigated cases.
- At least one-hundred (100) mediations in litigated cases whether court-referred or retained.
- Continue to conduct each year at least 50 mediations in litigated matters.
- The Panel Member must continually devote no less than 75% of their practice to mediation and/or arbitration in litigated cases.
- Participate in no less than twelve (12) hours of continuing education annually relating to Alternative Dispute Resolution, through certified or approved MCLE providers.
- Have participated in at least four (4) continuing education programs as an MCLE provider presenting in whole or in part continuing education and/or training in the area of ADR practice and/or principles.
Sufficient documentation as to the above requirements must be supplied to qualify. The $100 application fee is required.
Contact Information
ADR Chair- Raymond E. Mattison
https://www.mattisonlawfirm.com (805) 544-1232
PO Box 1829
San Luis Obispo, CA – 93406-1829