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Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in federal courts refers to processes like mediation, arbitration, and early neutral evaluation designed to help parties resolve civil lawsuits without a trial. 

 

ADR Local Rules and Duties of Participants

Local Rules - ADR Local Rules can be found in section 6  under "Alternative Dispute Resolution." All participants shall review these rules and the Duties of Participants found in Rule 6.02(C).

 

Preparing for Mediation and Early Neutral Evaluation

 

Neutrals and Forms

Neutral List - List including contact information and specialties of Certified Neutrals for the Eastern District of Missouri as approved by the Court. 

Notice of Non-Court Certified Neutral Request - This Notice must be completed and filed electronically, accompanied by a Joint Motion for Leave to Designate a Non-Court Certified Neutral. Neutral.  (In CM/ECF, a Motion event can be found under Civil - Motions and Related Filings - Motions - Leave to Designate a Non-Court Certified Neutral.) By completing this form, the applicant states that she or he has completed the requirements and has been approved as a Court-Certified Neutral with a Federal District Court other than the Eastern District of Missouri.

Order of Referral

Designation of Neutral

Compliance Report

Completed Compliance Report and Email Address Form shall be submitted to the attention of Betty Ann Skrien, Executive Assistant to Clerk of Court, at Betty_Ann_Skrien@moed.uscourts.gov or 111 South Tenth Street, Room 3.300, St. Louis, MO  63102.

Neutral Application

Completed Applications shall be submitted to the attention of Betty Ann Skrien, Executive Assistant to Clerk of Court, at Betty_Ann_Skrien@moed.uscourts.gov or 111 South Tenth Street, Room 3.300, St. Louis, MO 63102.

Qualifications for Neutral Certification

  • File an application for certification on a form provided by the Clerk for approval by the Court
  • Be admitted to practice law in the highest court of any state or the District of Columbia for at least five years
  • Be a member in good standing in each jurisdiction where admitted to practice law at the time of application
  • Have completed at least thirty-two (32) hours of approved professional training in mediation
  • Observe as a non-participant at least two mediations conducted by a mediator who has completed at least twenty-five (25) mediations and is either certified under this rule or qualified under Missouri Supreme Court Rule 17
  • Agree to serve for reduced or no compensation from a party who has qualified pursuant to 16-6.03 (C)(2) for appointment of a pro bono neutral
  • Complete four (4) hours of accredited continuing legal education in alternative dispute resolution on or before January 31 of each even numbered year beginning with an initial reporting period in 2019 for the two preceding years
  • After completing twenty-five mediations as a certified neutral, agree to be observed for two mediations each year by interested individuals who would otherwise be qualified for certification under the rules of this Court

 

Pro Bono Neutral and Limited Scope Counsel

 

ADR Procedures and Survey