APPELLATE MEDIATION PROGRAM
 

      The Appellate Mediation Program is an initiative of the Supreme Court bench and is administered by the Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution.

      Exploring mediation and other innovative methods of alternative dispute resolution have become hallmarks of Chief Justice Williams’ tenure as he encourages litigants to resolve disputes without the expense and time of trials.

      Supreme Court Chief Justice Williams is working to make the legal process less contentious, “Everyone has a right to a trial, but if you can, through mediation, get the parties to agree, it is going to be a win-win situation or less lose, less lose.” 

      Most civil cases that have been directly appealed from final judgment are eligible for mediation through the program.  There are presently five retired judges who serve as mediators at no cost to the state: 

Chief Justice Joseph R. Weisberger
Associate Justice Richard Israel
Associate Justice Peter Palombo, Jr.
Associate Judge Robert Pirraglia
Associate Judge Carmine Rao
    

Information Brochure

Mediation Eligibility Form and Confidential Mediation Statement
  (Please note: These forms can be filled out online and printed)

Supreme Court Rules of Appellate Procedure - Provisional Rule A

Supreme Court Rules of Appellate Procedure - Provisional Rule A as amended (July 26, 2004)

Supreme Court Rules of Appellate Procedure - In re Amendment to Provisional Rule A, Mediation Session Procedures (Sanctions)

Mediation Tip sheet for the Counsel

Mediation Tip sheet for the Client