Mediation News

In Washington State, Mediator's Legal Conflict Of Interest

Mediator's Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest: 
(1) Before accepting a mediation, an individual who is requested to serve as a mediator shall:

     (a) Make an inquiry that is reasonable under the circumstances to determine whether there are any known facts that a reasonable individual would consider likely to affect the impartiality of the mediator, including a financial or personal interest in the outcome of the mediation and an existing or past relationship with a mediation party or foreseeable participant in the mediation; and

     (b) Disclose any such known fact to the mediation parties as soon as is practical before accepting a mediation.

(2) If a mediator learns any fact described in subsection (1)(a) of this section after accepting a mediation, the mediator shall disclose it as soon as is practicable.

(3) At the request of a mediation party, an individual who is requested to serve as a mediator shall disclose the mediator's qualifications to mediate a dispute.

(4) A person that violates subsection (1) or (2) of this section is precluded by the violation from asserting a privilege under RCW

Participation In Mediation:
An attorney or other individual designated by a party may accompany the party to and participate in a mediation, except that if the dispute being mediated is the subject of pending proceedings under chapter 12.40 RCW, then a party may not be represented by an attorney in mediation unless the party may be represented by an attorney in the proceedings under chapter 12.40 RCW. A waiver of participation given before the mediation may be rescinded.

If you decide to retain a mediator in Washington and begin the mediation process, Contact our Washington Mediaton Lawyer now!

	Did You Know?
	Mediation may not be the most appropriate avenue for resolution in all cases. For example, it may not be appropriate in cases where: A definitive or authoritative resolution of the matter is required; The matter involves or may bear upon significant questions of Government policy that require additional procedures before a final resolution may be made; Maintaining established policies that apply to many people is especially important; The matter significantly affects persons or groups who are not parties to the process; A full public record of the proceeding is important; or The agency must maintain continuing jurisdiction over the matter with authority to alter the disposition of the matter in light of changed circumstances.