Interested in becoming a mediator?

Court-based mediation rosters generally require a combination of mediation training and experience. There are many private ADR organizations and schools that provide training on mediation and other ADR processes.  You can find out more about these services through the professional associations listed on our links page. A particularly helpful resource is the Tips for Becoming a Mediator in New York City site administered by John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

One of the best ways to get training and experience is by becoming a volunteer community mediator. Community mediation programs offer both quality training provided by trainiers certified by the Office of ADR Programs and the opportunity for a supervised apprenticehip. Contact your local Community Dispute Resolution Center find out more about requirments and application procedures. Visit the Training/Events section of our website to view upcoming training opportunites.

Interested in Becoming an Arbitrator?

Court-based arbitration rosters require varying levels of training and experience. Arbitration training is offered for voluntary arbitration cases in Civil, City, District, Town and Village Courts, for non-binding arbitration in civil and small claims cases under Part 28 of the Rules of the Chief Administrator, and for voluntary binding arbitration cases in Nassau County Supreme Court. Arbitration training is also available for cases involving attorney-client fee disputes over legal fees through the Part 137 Attorney-Client Fee Dispute Resolution Program, administered locally through bar associations and district administrative judges’ offices. In addition, many private arbitration providers and organizations offer training. For example: American Arbitration Association; Better Business Bureau Autoline Arbitration; JAMS, and the NASD. You can find out more about these programs through on our links page.

Community Dispute Resolution Center Programs provide arbitration training for cases involving consumer disputes over new or used vehicles ("Lemon Law" Program). Contact your local Community Dispute Resolution Center to learn more.

If you have a question about training programs or requirements, contact a member of the staff of the Office of ADR Programs.