Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Florida Supreme Court Removes Bar Membership Requirement for Circuit Court Mediators!

Wow!!! On November 15th the Florida Supreme Court issued In Re: Petition Of The Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules And Policy Committee On Amendments To Florida Rules For Certified And Court-Appointed Mediators, 2007 Fla. LEXIS 2172 [Fla. 2007] in which it amended the Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators to provide a true point-based mediator certification system by removing The Florida Bar membership requirement for certified Circuit Court Mediators!!!

What a marvelous opportunity for those without legal training, as well as for those who are members of the bar in jurisdictions other than Florida, to become a certified Circuit Court Mediator!

The Court also recognized that there may be situations where one party to a Circuit Court mediation may object to the appointment of a mediator who lacks legal training and if that occurs, the trial court must appoint a mediator who is also a member of The Florida Bar. Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.720(f)(2) was amended to reflect this requirement.

Please take the time to read this incredibly important opinion – you’ll be glad you did!!!

Also, if you have any questions please get in touch with me.

To email me, click Perry S. Itkin.