Civil Mediation Program
The Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One’s Civil Mediation Program offers parties to a civil appeal a confidential, convenient, and cost-effective means to quickly resolve their dispute. The program is court-sponsored and funded entirely by the Temporary Assigned Judges Program (TAJP), eliminating costs for the parties. The mediators are retired Court of Appeal justices who have experience in handling appeals and have undergone comprehensive training in alternative dispute resolution.
Most civil appeals pending before this court are eligible for mediation, with the exception of Family Court cases, guardianships or conservatorships, sterilization cases, and cases involving self-represented litigants or governmental agencies. The court encourages any represented party to a civil appeal to explore participation in the program. Participation is voluntary and the agreement of all parties is required. Mediation requests may be initiated by the parties prior to the filing of any briefs or at any time up to 30 days following the filing of the final brief by submitting the Confidential Mediation Request Form. The form should be submitted through the court’s Electronic Filing System (EFS). The commencement of mediation procedures will ordinarily not permit the interruption or extension of the brief filing schedule.
Upon receipt of a stipulated mediation request, and with approval from the Administrative Presiding Justice, the court will request an appointment of a mediator from the TAJP. The parties stipulating to mediation procedures may request the appointment of a specific retired justice in the TAJP. However, selection of the mediation justice shall be at the discretion of the court and the TAJP. The court also reserves the right to decline to initiate mediation procedures in any specific case.
Contact
Civil Mediation Coordinator
Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One
Email: 4DCA1ContactUs@jud.ca.gov
Phone: (619) 744-0760