The EDNY ADR Department developed the Mediation Mentorship Program (formerly the Mediator Incubator) to offer practical experience to junior attorneys with a substantiated interest in mediating federal cases, but who have little experience as a mediator. To be eligible to apply, applicants must be admitted to practice in the Eastern District of New York and have practiced law for fewer than fifteen (15) years. Applicants are also required to be admitted to the Bar of the State of New York for at least five (5) years and must have completed a total of twenty-four (24) hours of mediation training. The required twenty-four (24) hours of mediation training may be the result of attendance at several distinct programs, or at one twenty-four (24) hour training.
Those who are interested must complete the application (link below), provide the agenda(s) from mediation trainings completed, and submit one letter of reference from a person who has direct knowledge of the applicant’s interest in and experience with mediation, and one letter of reference from a person who has direct knowledge of the applicant’s legal knowledge and areas of expertise. Applicants will be assessed based on their experience with mediation, including mediation advocacy and active participation in mediation and dispute resolution organizations and associations. Availability and commitment to the program will also be taken into consideration (please review the timeline for the program below).
Many EDNY litigants speak languages other than English. Please indicate below if you can speak languages other than English. Those who speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, or Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.
The EDNY serves a wide variety of litigants, including persons of varying age, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, religion, socioeconomic and family status. The Court’s ADR Department recognizes that mediators with a wide variety of cultural and life experiences enrich the mediation process by bringing diverse perspectives to resolving disputes. To that end, applicants of all diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply to the program.
Once admitted to the Program, participants will be matched with an experienced EDNY Panel Mediator. Each participant is required to attend an initial training and orientation, observe a minimum of three (3) EDNY mediations, and co-mediate at least three (3) EDNY mediations with an experienced EDNY Mediation Panelist. Any observations or co-mediations done through the EDNY Mediator Incubator will be done on a pro bono basis. Observations must be completed within six (6) months of admission into the Program and co-mediations must be completed within 12 (twelve) months of admission into the Program. After successful completion of the Program, participants will be eligible for, but not guaranteed, admission to the EDNY Mediation Panel.
Mediation Mentorship Program Application and Instructions 2023/2024