On July 16,2013 the Southern California Mediation Association is holding a launch party for our Select a Mediator directory. This promises to be one of our biggest and best parties EVER, so please invite all your friends. The launch party is not limited to SCMA members, or to mediators. In fact, we encourage attorneys and other consumers of mediation services to come and learn more about our service. This event will take place at the Sofitel Hotel at 6:00 p.m. (MORE DETAILS AND RSVP HERE)
Created in response to the dismantling of the LA Superior Court random select and party select mediation panels, our directory represents a substantial upgrade of SCMA’s member directory. It allows users to search for mediators by geographical area, by rate range, and by area of substantive expertise. The SCMA directory sets qualifications for listing that are substantially similar to those employed by the court’s ADR department, but unlike the court does not randomly assign mediators. Users have the ability to peruse listings and select a mediator appropriate to their situation. Best of all, the SCMA service, at least for the time being, is completely free. There is no charge for using the directory,and no administrative fees for setting up a mediation with one of our listed mediators. Those mediators set their own charges.
In addition, many mediators on the SCMA site, have agreed to participate in a reduced rate program for cases with a value under $25,000 or in which at least one side is not represented by counsel. Participants in this program will charge 50% of their normal rate, or provide the first two hours of service for free.
The website directory is currently in a “soft launch” phase. That means it is already in operation but still has a few bugs, so bear with us! We plan to keep improving the website to maintain it as a state of the art directory. But the directory is only the means for showcasing SCMA-affiliated mediators. What distinguishes the SCMA directory is that it offers a broad range of mediators versed in a large number of areas of expertise and coming from a variety of professional backgrounds. In addition, we are promoting this directory to the courts and to the bar as an excellent substitute for the late, lamented court program. Our goal is to offer the public a large panel of well-qualified mediators that will perform mediations at reasonable rates, and operate with a minimum of rules and regulations and a maximum of flexibility and party choice.
Hope to see everyone at the launch party!
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