Voluntary Mediation Program Procedures United States District Court - Northern District of Illinois
General Rules
Rule 5.10 (EFFECTIVE DATE - 6 JANUARY 1997)
Rule 5.10 Voluntary Mediation Program *
A. Establishment of Voluntary Mediation Program for Selected Cases
A program for voluntary mediation is established for cases arising under the Federal Trademark Act of 1946, 15 U.S.C. §§ 10511127 ( the Lanham Act ).
B. Procedures for Voluntary Mediation Program
The voluntary mediation program shall follow the procedures approved by the Executive Committee. The procedures outline the responsibilities of counsel and the parties in cases that are eligible for the mediation program. Copies of the procedures may be obtained from the Clerk of Court.
C. Confidentiality of Mediation Proceedings
All mediation proceedings, including any statement made by any party, attorney or other participant, shall, in all respects, be privileged and not reported, recorded, placed in evidence, made known to the trial court or jury, or construed for any purpose as an admission. No party shall be bound by anything done or said at the conference unless a settlement is reached, in which event the settlement shall be reduced to writing and shall be binding upon all parties.
D. Duty of the Clerk to Report
The clerk shall report to the Executive Committee on the status of the mediation program no less frequently than once each year.