Mediation
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s Mediation Program helps people resolve civil cases quickly and efficiently.
Mediation is a voluntary process in which parties in conflict work with a neutral mediator who facilitates constructive dialogue and helps participants explore options for resolution. Rather than deciding the outcome, the mediator guides the discussion so the parties themselves can reach agreement.
The Ninth Circuit’s professional mediators assist in resolving hundreds of appeals each year. The matters they handle span a wide spectrum—from straightforward contract and tort disputes to complex cases involving significant policy issues. No case is too large or too small for the program.
Mediation can often achieve settlements better tailored to the parties’ needs than a court decision. Even when a case does not fully resolve, the process often helps clarify the issues on appeal and sharpen the parties’ understanding of their objectives.
All communications in mediation are strictly confidential. See: Circuit Rule 33-1 (confidentiality) (PDF).
The program is available at no cost to the parties.
About the Mediation Program
The Circuit Mediation Program was created under Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 33 and Circuit Rule 33-1 (PDF).
Its mission is “to facilitate the voluntary resolution of appeals in order to reduce the court’s workload and to offer parties an alternative to litigation to resolve their disputes.” See General Order 7.1 (PDF).
Contact
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ca09_mediation@ca9.uscourts.gov Phone(415) 355-7900 (main line) HoursMonday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Physical Address Circuit Mediation Office |
Questions about how to file a Mediation Questionnaire?