ATTORNEYS: Apply Now to Join the LASC Mediation Volunteer Panel

The Superior Court of Los Angeles County is accepting applications from attorneys interested in serving on the Court’s Mediation Volunteer Panel (MVP), a program that supports the resolution of civil disputes through virtual mediation in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.835 et seq. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

“The Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution volunteers provide valuable services that help litigants resolve disputes efficiently,” said Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II. “Attorneys interested in serving on the Mediation Volunteer Panel will support access to justice while gaining meaningful experience helping parties avoid the time and cost of trial. I encourage all interested attorneys to apply.”

Volunteer mediators provide virtual mediation services for civil cases referred by judicial officers. The Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Office will assign cases to volunteer mediators, and they will provide preparation time and the first three hours of the mediation session on a pro bono basis. If all parties decide to continue the mediation, mediators may charge the hourly rate listed in their profile. The Court’s ADR webpage features additional information about the MVP, mediator profiles, and other settlement programs.

Training Opportunities and Informational Webinar

• Training Opportunity: Attorneys without prior mediation experience may apply for the Court’s free 25-hour mediation training program. The next training will be held virtually from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 8, 10 and 12, 2025. The deadline to apply is Aug. 8, 2025.
• Webinar on Volunteer Opportunities to Settle Cases for the Court: Attorneys are invited to attend a free webinar on Friday, July 25, from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. on Zoom. The session, hosted by the Court’s ADR Committee and bar association partners, will highlight how to volunteer as a mediator or settlement officer and explain the steps to apply to serve on the MVP and other Court-connected settlement programs, including Resolve Law LA. Register for the webinar here.

MVP applicants must meet the qualifications and requirements listed below and complete an application and interview.

MVP Minimum Qualifications

• Training: Completion of at least 25 hours of mediation training that complies with the California Dispute Resolution Program Act guidelines (California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 3622).
• Experience: Conducted at least two mediations, each lasting two or more hours, within the past three years.
• Membership in good standing with the State Bar of California. Attorneys who do not meet the training or experience qualifications but are interested in serving on the Court’s MVP may apply for Court-sponsored 25-hour mediation training.

MVP Requirements

• Commitment to prepare for and conduct at least two pro bono mediations for MVP, up to three hours long and held virtually, in a 12-month period. Or, if volunteer attorneys are receiving Court-sponsored training, they must prepare for and conduct a minimum of eight pro bono mediations for MVP, up to three hours long and held virtually over a 24-month period.
• Commitment to complete at least seven hours of continuing education or training on mediation topics every two years. At least one hour of continuing education must address mediator ethics.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE MEDIATION VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Interested applicants should review detailed information about the qualifications and requirements on the Court’s MVP webpage. Attorneys who meet the qualifications and are willing to commit to the requirements may submit the Application for Appointment to Mediation Volunteer Panel (Form CIV 307) to the ADR Office at MediationPanel@lacourt.org.

The Court’s ADR Quality Assurance Subcommittee will make selections for the Mediation Volunteer Panel. Applicants will be required to participate in a one-way video interview using an online platform and if selected must attend a Court orientation for the program.

The Court remains committed to collaborating with the legal community to provide a range of high-quality ADR resources for civil cases, such as Resolve Law LA (RLLA) Virtual Mandatory Settlement Conference Programs for personal injury and employment cases, the low-cost Mediation Center of Los Angeles (MCLA) Referral Program and the Civil Mediation Vendor Resource List.

Questions about the MVP should be directed to the Court’s ADR Office at MediationPanel@lacourt.org.

For more information, follow the Court on X (@LASuperiorCourt), Instagram (@LASuperiorCourt), Threads (@LASuperiorCourt), or visit the Court’s website, www.LACourt.ca.gov.