Administrative Judge Sharon S. Townsend announces the implementation of the Martin P. Violante Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) Program for the Eighth Judicial District, named to honor the memory of Court Attorney Referee Marty Violante, whose dedication to alternative dispute resolution inspired the development of this program for civil, commercial, and parenting issues in matrimonial, and Family Court matters.  Administrative Judge Vincent E. Doyle envisioned an ADR program for civil cases in the 8th Judicial District which was implemented by Marty Violante.  His exceptional case settlement skills are legendary and well-respected on a statewide basis, as he generously shared his expertise with members of the Bench and Bar over the years.  This is the first comprehensive program developed in New York State courts to standardize the application of alternative dispute resolution in civil, commercial, and parenting issues in matrimonial and Family Court actions. The protocols which implement this program were developed in collaboration with OCA’s Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs, the Bench, representatives of the Erie County Bar Association and the practicing Bar. 
  

The Martin P. Violante ADR Program provides for referral of cases to various qualified neutrals who will be included on a court roster comprised of arbitrators in civil and commercial matters, neutral evaluators in civil, commercial and matrimonial matters, and mediators in civil, commercial, matrimonial and Family Court matters.  The applications for the Court Roster Neutrals along with the requirements can also be accessed at the website.  Judge Townsend encourages all interested individuals to apply.

 

To be eligible for inclusion as a neutral on any Court Roster, an individual must submit an application and document the specified training sponsored or recognized by the OCA Office of ADR Programs and experience for each category of neutral as outlined in the protocols.  Acceptance  to each Court Roster of Neutrals is at the discretion of the District Administrative Judge in consultation with the OCA Office of ADR Programs.   The OCA Office of ADR Programs will assist with providing some trainings within  the 8th District to assist otherwise qualified candidates in obtaining the requirements for the Court Roster.  At this time, there are currently two mediation trainings sponsored by the Center for Resolution and Justice that are scheduled to be held from February 2-6, 2007 and on March 1-6.  These trainings have been approved by the OCA Office of ADR Programs.  For further details on these trainings, contact Charlene Brumley at 716-362-2323, ext. 1307, or cbrumley@cfsbny.org.

Judge Townsend has designated Court Attorney Sheila W. Schwanekamp to serve as the overall ADR Program Administrator who will coordinate with the various Program Administrators designated in the civil, commercial, matrimonial and Family Courts to implement this program throughout the 8th Judicial District.  Court Attorney Anne Rutland has been designated as Program Administrator for Commercial Division.  Court Attorney Referee Tracey Kassman has been designated as Program Administrator for Family Court Matters and Court Attorney Referee Sheila Schwanekamp has also been designated as Program Administrator for Matrimonial Matters.