Ill. R. Cir. Ct. Lake Cnty. 7-4.06

As amended through September 23, 2024

Rule 7-4.06 - Appointment, Qualifications and Compensation of the Mediators

A. Mediators shall be assigned by the Program Coordinator, who shall maintain the schedule of cases set for mediation and the assigned Mediators.

B. The Coordinator shall maintain a list of Mediators who have been approved by the Chief Judge. The Coordinator shall also provide the Chief Judge Mediator performance statistics and make recommendations about a Mediator's continued service with the Program.

C. Any person is eligible to apply to serve as a Mediator for the purposes of this Rule, if the applicant is:

1. A member in good standing of the Illinois bar or a retired judge,

2. Submits an application that is approved by the Chief Judge or their designee; and completes the established training procedures. Once the training is complete the mediator will be assigned a mentor.

3. Provides satisfactory proof of professional liability insurance covering the mediation process to the Coordinator.

D. The Coordinator must be provided documentation concerning any changes relating to professional licensures, and concerning any changes in professional liability insurance covering the mediation process.

E. The Mediator shall comply with such general standards established and promulgated in writing by the Chief Judge. Mediators shall comply with the Uniform Mediation Act, 710 ILCS 35/1 et seq. as amended. A Mediator shall not mediate a matter that presents a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest arises when any relationship between the Mediator and the mediation participants or the subject matter of the dispute compromises or appears to compromise the Mediator's impartiality. A Mediator shall not be involved in any capacity other than Mediator in any case to which the Mediator is assigned. A Mediator may not use any information obtained during the mediation process for any purpose outside of mediation unless required to do so by law.

F. The eligibility of each Mediator to retain the status of a Mediator shall be periodically reviewed by the Chief Judge or their designee for mediation of eviction cases, and in any event, no longer than eighteen months after date of appointment. Failure to adhere to standards set forth above may result in the removal of the Mediator by the Chief Judge.

G. There shall be no charge for the parties to participate in the residential eviction program. The mediators shall be paid on a per mediation basis in an amount approved by the Chief Judge as funds allow.

Ill. R. Cir. Ct. Lake Cnty. 7-4.06

Adopted effective 1/9/2024.