Massachusetts Trial Court: Free Mediation Services Launched in Suffolk County Superior Court
Summary
- The Massachusetts Trial Court and the Massachusetts Bar Association have launched a joint initiative to provide free mediation services in the Suffolk County Superior Court.
- Eligible cases include motor vehicle tort cases, slip-and-fall tort cases, and contract disputes where at least one party cannot afford a private mediator.
- Volunteers must undergo rigorous training, including at least 30 hours of mediation instruction, to ensure they are equipped to handle complex cases.
What Happened
The trial court is committed to expanding access to justice through innovative partnerships,
The Massachusetts Trial Court and the Massachusetts Bar Association have launched a joint initiative to provide free mediation services in the Suffolk County Superior Court. The program, known as the MBA Volunteer Mediation Pilot Program, began on August 3rd and aims to increase access to mediation for litigants who cannot afford private mediators.
The pilot program is currently available for certain types of cases, including motor vehicle tort cases, slip-and-fall tort cases, and contract disputes. To be eligible, at least one party must be unable to pay for a private mediator.
Legal Context
Mediation has become an increasingly important tool in resolving disputes in Massachusetts courts. However, the high cost of hiring a private mediator can be a significant barrier to access. The new program aims to address this issue by providing free mediation services to eligible litigants.
The initiative is led by the Massachusetts Trial Court's Chief Justice Heidi E. Brieger and the Massachusetts Bar Association's Dispute Resolution Section council. Volunteers must undergo rigorous training, including at least 30 hours of mediation instruction, to ensure that they are equipped to handle complex cases.
Why It Matters
The launch of the MBA Volunteer Mediation Pilot Program is a significant development for lawyers practicing in Massachusetts. The program provides a valuable resource for clients who cannot afford private mediators and offers an opportunity for attorneys to refer eligible cases to the free mediation service.
By increasing access to mediation, the program aims to promote more efficient and cost-effective dispute resolution. This can have a positive impact on litigants, lawyers, and the court system as a whole.
Practical Implications
Lawyers practicing in Massachusetts should be aware of this new resource for clients who cannot afford private mediators, and consider referring eligible cases to the MBA's free mediation program.
Source
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