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Mediation Advocacy Program

For Parties

The EDNY offers unrepresented litigants with an opportunity to obtain a pro bono (free) attorney for the purpose of mediation in matters involving:

  • Employment discrimination;

  • Claims arising under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (Section 1983) including but not limited to claims of false arrest, excessive force, unreasonable search and seizure, and cases involving conditions of confinement. 

If you have filed a case in the EDNY and are representing yourself, you may be eligible to participate in this program. 

For more information about this program please review the Frequently Asked Questions page.  

 

For Counsel

The EDNY ADR program offers unrepresented litigants the opportunity to obtain pro bono legal representation for the purpose of mediation in matters of employment discrimination and matters arising under Section 1983.

Volunteer attorneys meet with clients, prepare for the mediation, and represent the plaintiff during the course of the mediation.  The mediations are generally conducted by members of the EDNY’s mediation panel.  The mediators are experienced attorneys who have been certified as mediators by the court.

Most mediations take place in one day, however, if no settlement is reached during the first session, but all parties believe settlement is possible, a second session may be scheduled.  If a settlement is not reached, the pro bono attorney has no obligation to stay on as counsel for the remainder of the case.

To be qualified to serve as pro bono counsel in this program, applicants must be admitted to practice in the state of New York for a minimum of two years and be admitted to the Eastern District of New York.  Applicants must also have at minimum two years of experience serving as an advocate.

To apply to serve as pro bono counsel through the Mediation Advocacy Program please fill out the Attorney Application for the EDNY Representation in Mediation Program.

For more information contact ADR Administrator at 718.613.2578 or via e-mail at nyed_adr@nyed.uscourts.gov