Mediation/Arbitration

Mediation

Mediation is a flexible alternative dispute resolution process in which an impartial third party (the mediator) facilitates negotiation between the parties to help them devise their own, mutually acceptable solution. Pursuant to Local Rule 16.4, in any civil action, the Court may refer all or part of the underlying dispute to mediation, with or without the agreement of the parties.

Mediators must meet certain qualifications to be selected for the Court’s mediator panel. Parties may view the Court Approved List of Mediators for information about available approved mediators.

Parties engaging in mediation should review the scheduling order filed in their case and follow any requirements the judge may have regarding mediation. Otherwise, the parties should file a Notice of Intent to Utilize Mediation in their case to alert the Court that the parties are engaging in the mediation process. Please use the event “Utilization of Mediation” under “ADR Documents” when filing. Pro se parties without access to ECF, please file your Notice with the Clerk’s Office.

Local Rule 16.4(m) requires the Mediator to file a report with the Court following the conclusion of the mediation. The form is available here: Mediator’s Report to the Court Form.

Arbitration

Arbitration is a procedure in which a dispute is submitted, by agreement of the parties, to one or more arbitrators who make a binding decision on the dispute. The Court may refer any civil action (unless exempt) to arbitration under Local Rule 16.5 only with the consent of all parties.

Arbitrators must meet certain qualifications to be selected for the Court’s arbitration panel. Parties may view the Court Approved List of Arbitrators for information about available approved arbitrators.

Parties interested in arbitrating under Local Rule 16.5 should consult the local rule for instructions on how to request referral.

Note: Nothing in Local Rule 16.5 prohibits the parties, upon their own initiative and by mutual consent, from arbitrating a pending matter pursuant to the provisions of 9 U.S.C. §§ 2 et seq., Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 29-5-301 et seq., or other state Arbitration statutes.

ADR Coordinators

If you have questions about mediation or arbitration, please e-mail adr@tned.uscourts.gov or contact your division’s ADR Coordinator (contact information below).

Division	Coordinator	Phone
Chattanooga/Winchester	Russell Eslinger	(423) 752-5200
Greeneville	Jason Keeton	(423) 639-3105
Knoxville	Rachel Stone	(865) 545-4228

Court Approved Arbitration and Mediation Panels

Individuals interested in applying for acceptance to the court-approved arbitration or mediation panel should first review the qualifications in Local Rule 16.4(k) (Qualifications of Mediators) or Local Rule 16.5(k) (Qualifications of Arbitrators). If you meet the qualification requirements and would like to be considered for selection on either panel, please click this link to submit an application.

If you have questions about the application process, please email adr@tned.uscourts.gov.

Panel members who need to update their contact information or correct public-facing information can send the update request to adr@tned.uscourts.gov.