I. TRAINING
A. Panel mediators must have completed at least 40 hours of mediation training,
including a single 40-hour course, OR
B. Qualify as a mediator for the United States District Court for the Northern
District of California or any superior court in a neighboring county, OR
C. Be deemed to have sufficient training within the discretion of the court.
II. EXPERIENCE
A. Panel mediators must have conducted:
i. At least five civil mediations of either limited or unlimited jurisdiction of
at least two hours in length, OR
ii. Ten small claims, civil harassment, or unlawful detainers day-of-court
mediations referred by the court provided that the applicant also submits
a letter of recommendation from the mediation program that supervises
the day-of-court mediations, verifying that the applicant has
demonstrated excellent mediation skills.
III. PANEL MEMBERS INDICATING AN EXPERTISE IN PROBATE
A. To qualify as a mediator in probate matters, the applicant must:
i. EITHER:
1. Be an attorney with five years substantial substantive
probate practice (75% of practice dedicated to general
probate/ trusts /conservatorship /guardianship /elder law
practice), OR
2. Have mediated fifteen cases in the previous five years in the
areas of probate, trusts, conservatorships or guardianships
ii. Complete six hours of specialized probate mediation training.
iii. Complete two hours of continuing education in probate mediation every
two years (such continuing education may be counted as part of the six
hours of the general continuing mediation education).
IV. COMPLIANCE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
A. Panel mediators must:
i. Comply with all applicable ethical standards for neutrals.
Rev. date: 08/24/20
ii. Comply with all applicable California Rules of Court and the Mediation
Guidelines.
iii. Comply with minimum qualifications.
V. STATEMENT OF COURT DISCRETION
It is within the discretion of the court to deem the education, experience, and prior
training of a mediator sufficient to join the court mediation panel.
For questions about these requirements, please contact the ADR Program office at (510) 891-
6055 or adrprogram@alameda.courts.ca.gov.