The Maryland Judiciary promotes the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to resolve many types of court cases. Mediators and other ADR practitioners may apply to practice on a circuit court roster or volunteer with the District Court. For information about a specific court program or to view a list of court-approved ADR practitioners, visit the ADR Resource Guide to find the contact information for that court’s ADR program manager.
Mediating in the Circuit Courts
Many circuit courts in Maryland refer civil, non-domestic and family cases to mediators on a court-approved roster. Court-referred mediation in Maryland is governed by Title 17 of the Maryland Rules. Practitioners who are interested in mediating child access cases should also review Maryland Rule 9-205, which outlines mediation in child custody and visitation disputes.
Mediators who are approved to practice on a circuit court roster must meet the qualifications set forth in Maryland Rule 17-205(a), which include the completion of at least 40 hours of basic mediation training and familiarity with the rules, statutes, and practices governing mediation in the circuit courts. Practitioners who are interested in mediating child access cases must also have completed at least 20 hours of family mediation training as described in Maryland Rule 9-205(c).
By applying for court roster membership, mediators agree to:
- Abide by the Maryland Standards of Conduct for Mediators;
- Comply with the procedures and requirements prescribed in the court’s case management plan, including agreeing to charge the mediation fees set forth by the court;
- Complete at least four hours of continuing mediation-related education each calendar year;
- Provide to the parties any ADR evaluation forms and instructions prescribed by the court; and
- Upon request by the court, accept a reasonable number of referrals at a reduced fee or pro bono.
If you would like to be considered for court roster membership, complete the application and submit it to the ADR program manager for the circuit court(s) where you are applying.
Non-Mediation ADR Processes in the Circuit Courts
Several circuit courts have rosters for non-mediation ADR practitioners. These practitioners may conduct settlement conferences, scheduling conference facilitation, early neutral evaluation, and other types of ADR. Non-mediation ADR processes in Maryland circuit courts are governed by Title 17 of the Maryland Rules.
Typically, non-mediation ADR practitioners in the circuit courts are experienced attorneys or judges with specialized knowledge of the issues in dispute. By applying to practice non-mediation ADR in the circuit court, ADR practitioners agree to:
- Abide by the Maryland Standards of Conduct for Arbitrators, Fact Finders, Neutral Evaluators, and Settlement Conference Practitioners
- Comply with the procedures and requirements prescribed in the court’s case management plan, including agreeing to charge the fees set forth by the court (if any);
- Complete any training program required by the court;
- Provide to the parties any ADR evaluation forms and instructions prescribed by the court; and
- Upon request by the court, accept a reasonable number of referrals at a reduced fee or pro bono.
To apply to be included as a roster member for non-mediation ADR in the circuit courts, complete the application and submit it to the ADR program manager for the court(s) where you are applying.
Complex Litigation Specialty ADR Rosters in the Circuit Courts
Circuit courts in Maryland may refer complex litigation cases to mediation or other ADR processes using specialized rosters of health care malpractice practitioners and business and technology practitioners. Information regarding these programs may be found in Maryland Rule 17-207(b).
Apply to Conduct Health Care Malpractice ADR Services
Apply to Conduct ADR Services in Business and Technology Cases
ADR in the District Court
ADR practitioners interested in volunteering with the District Court can do so as a day of trial mediator or a settlement conference attorney. For more information about practicing ADR in the District Court, visit the District Court ADR Office’s webpage.