How to Become a Mediator in Alabama

Mediation is favorable to trial in many cases. It saves both time and money.

When most people think of the legal system, they draw up images of a judge and a jury. They may even imagine attorneys in freshly pressed suits making legal arguments. While the trial and the courtroom setting receives most of the attention, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution are gaining ground. In Alabama, certain cases require mediation (see References 1). If you are a licensed attorney practicing in Alabama, consider putting your name onto the state's mediator roster to bolster your legal practice.

Instructions

1. Before you can become a mediator, you must be a licensed attorney (from any state) who has practiced law for at least four years.

2. Follow Alabama's Code of Ethics and be "of good character." This generally means you have no prior criminal history and no prior disciplinary issues on your record. To review the Code of Ethics, see the resource section below.

3. Complete 20 hours of mediation training. Check alabamaadr.org's calendar to find the next available medation training workshop.

4. Provide 10 hours of pro bono service per year.

5. Complete the "Application for Registration on the Alabama Court Mediator Roster." This form is available for download at alabamaadr.org. See the link in the resource section below.

6. Pay a one-time registration fee and an annual registration fee. As of 2009, these fees were $30 and $125, respectively.

References

• Mediation Works: Alabama Mediator Qualifications
• Alabama ADR: Mandatory Mediation Act

Resources

• Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct
• Alabama Mediator Roster Application