How to Schedule a Case
Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions about how to set a case with our panelists here at JDR. These are general guidelines. Keep in mind that your case may involve particular circumstances which will require special handling.
How do I get a mediation set on JDR’s calendar?
To set up a hearing, please contact Vanessa Downer, the JDR Scheduling Coordinator at 206-442-1681. The Scheduling Coordinator can help you chose a panelist and coordinate available dates. Please remember that availability can change quickly.
To help you to find a mutually agreeable date, JDR staff will be happy to coordinate schedules. Let us know the name of opposing counsel, any co-counsel, insurance adjustors, or others you would like us to contact. (JDR will not contact an attorney’s clients directly.)
If you think you may want to set a case for a particular date, please ask us to hold that date for you. (Unfortunately, we cannot hold more than one date at a time for a single case.) When a case is put on hold, the parties have five business days to confirm or release the date. If the date you have put on hold is requested by other parties who are able to confirm, JDR staff may contact you to advance your confirmation deadline.
Before a case can move from a HOLD status to a SET status, we need to confirm with all involved parties that:
- They agree to mediate.
- They agree on a particular panelist.
- They agree on a fee split.
- All necessary participants are available to attend on the selected day and time.
How do I get an arbitration set on JDR’s calendar?
Setting an arbitration on the JDR calendar is similar to setting a mediation. However, the process often starts with an agreement, contract, or order to arbitrate. If you have such a document, please deliver it to our Case Administrator at 1411 Fourth Avenue, Suite 200, Seattle WA 98101. To schedule an arbitration, please contact our Case Administrator at 206-442-1683. Please see our arbitration rules for further information.
The parties can’t agree on a date – what do we do?
The panelists are available for conference calls to help the parties resolve issues that stand in the way of getting cases set on the calendar.
Is there a minimum hearing time?
Typically, cases are set on the calendar for a full day (7 hours plus an estimated hour of preparation time) or a half day (4 hours plus an estimated half hour of preparation time) Different time lengths may be available at the panelists’ discretion.
The parties to our case reside outside of Seattle. Do your panelists travel?
Most of JDR’s cases are heard at our offices in Downtown Seattle. Several of our panelists are willing to travel within and outside of the Pacific Northwest. Each panelist determines appropriate travel fees on a case-by-case basis.
What happens after we set our case on the calendar?
After setting your case on the calendar, JDR will send you a packet containing a confirming letter, an invoice (if applicable), information on how to submit briefs, and a copy of our Fee Schedule.
What happens if we need to cancel, reschedule or change the length of my hearing?
If you need to cancel, reschedule, or make changes to your case for any reason, please contact the JDR Scheduling Coordinator as early as possible. If you cancel or reschedule after the cancellation deadline and we are unable to fill the lost time with another matter, the fees will remain due. Please review the Fee Schedule for important information regarding JDR’s cancellation and continuance policy.
When are the fees due?
Fees are due in advance of the hearing. Please review the Fee Schedule for information regarding due dates. Failure to pay by the due date may result in the removal of the case from our calendar.
How do I submit briefs and other materials for my panelist to review?
Information on how to submit briefs will be included in your confirmation packet. Please visit this link for a copy of that document. If you need further information or need to make special arrangements regarding the submission of materials, please contact our Case Administrator at 206-442-1683.
I am a plaintiff or a defendant in a case – should I contact JDR directly?
The agreement to render service is usually between Judicial Dispute Resolution and the attorney or representative of each of the participating parties. If you wish to use JDR’s services and have an attorney, please contact him or her to start the process.
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