California

Private Mediation

There are no requirements to accept private clients as a mediator. Erin’s class will teach you all the basics to begin mediating, including recommendations for advanced topics you should consider in your private practice.

Rules for Civil Court-Connected Mediators

Buckle up. This one was a ride.

TL:DR - Whether or not my training meets the standards, in California’s largest counties, only attorneys are eligible to apply and then only for volunteer positions. An exception is San Mateo County.

California’s courts each establish their own qualifications. They are encouraged to “consider the Model Qualification Standards for Mediators issued by the Judicial Council staff”. Those Model standards don’t seem to exist beyond a 2009 draft. What does clearly exist in California is the Dispute Resolution Programs Act (DRPA), which establishes standards for Community Mediation Centers.

So, I looked at the court rules for a few of the largest counties, and what I found was that where courts have established rules, they appear to have used the DRPA standards (See Community Mediation Centers below)

But, what I also found is that most court programs are either

1. Limited to attorney applicants and mostly volunteer,

   • Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego

2. Limited to attorney applicants and require some free service for the first sessions (Erin’s training meets the requirements for these),

   • Alameda, Orange

   • EXCEPTION: San Mateo County accepts non-attorney applicants and Erin’s training meets the 40 hour requirement.

I’ve done a public document request about the legislative history of the rules to determine whether the model standards do exist, and, if so, what they say. That isn’t going to change that there are limited paid opportunities.

Exception: San Mateo County Superior Court has both paid panel positions

Mediation Practice Rules for Court-Connected Mediators

• California Rules of Court 10.781

Mediation Ethics Rules for Court-Connected Mediators

• California Rules of Court 3.853 - 3.860

Rules for Community Mediators

Erin’s training meets the standards outlined in the Dispute Resolution Programs Act (DRPA) (Title 16, Section 3622) with the exception of the state-specific requirements. You should check with your local community mediation program for confirmation.

Professional Associations

• California Dispute Resolution Council is a membership based advocacy organization. It has its own Standards of Practice for California Mediators. These appear to be consistent with the court rules, but a little more specific and richer.

• Statewide California Meditation Association is a membership organization supporting the practice of mediation, offering educational opportunities, networking, and more.

Last Update: 7/11/2026 by ejr