Here’s an update on my prior post on the status of the requirements to become a Circuit Court Mediator certified by the Florida Supreme Court.The Supreme Court Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and Policy has submitted to the Florida Supreme Court proposed amendments to the Florida Rules for Certified and Court Appointed Mediators. The committee proposes new rule 10.105, Point System Categories, and amendments to rule 10.100, Certification Requirements, that incorporate the recently adopted basic point requirements for certification as county, family, circuit, and dependency mediators. Essentially, the point system was removed from the Court’s Administrative Order and incorporated into the Rules.
Consistent with the Court’s prior opinion, the proposed amendments to rule 10.100(d), Circuit Court Mediators, include the requirement of Florida Bar membership that was retained by the Court until it could consider requested input from The Florida Bar on the requirement. The committee continues to urge the removal of the Florida Bar membership requirement. The Bar takes the position that the requirement of Florida Bar membership should be retained for circuit court mediators, but that the applicant also should be required to have been a member of The Florida Bar or other bar jurisdiction, in good standing, for the five years immediately preceding an application.
The Court invites all interested persons to comment on the committee's proposed amendments.
Please submit your comments.
To email me, click Perry S. Itkin.
