Mediation Guidelines

1. REPRESENTATION BY COUNSEL

Any party may either represent himself or be represented by an attorney or other authorized representative at a mediation session before MDRS.

2. MEDIATION AGREEMENT

Both parties voluntarily enter into mediation. Prior to the commencement of the mediation session, the parties and their counsel or authorized representatives shall agree in writing to the mediation of their dispute. For this purpose, an MDRS Agreement for Mediation will be provided to the parties incorporating these guidelines.

3. THE MEDIATOR

The parties shall jointly agree upon the selection of a mediator from the MDRS panel of mediators. The mediator shall have no personal or financial interest in the outcome of the dispute. In advance of the mediation session, the mediator shall disclose to the parties any circumstances which may create a presumption of bias or conflict of interest. In the event of such disclosure, the parties shall have the right to request the disqualification of the mediator.

4. DATE, TIME & PLACE OF MEDIATION SESSION

The parties and MDRS shall agree upon the time, place and date of the mediation session. Notice of the mediation shall be mailed to the parties at least ten (10) days prior to the mediation unless otherwise agreed to be the parties.

5. WRITTEN MEDIATION SUMMARY

A party may submit to MDRS, prior to commencement of the mediation session, a brief written summary of the relevant issues involved in the dispute, including liability, damages and the present status of any settlement discussions. A copy of any summary submitted must be provided to all parties.

6. ATTENDANCE AT MEDIATION SESSION

It is necessary for the parties to attend the mediation session whether or not they are represented by counsel or other authorized representative. It is not necessary for any witnesses to attend the mediation session. If counsel is representing an insurance company or an insured, it is necessary that the insurance representative, with full authority to settle the dispute, attend the mediation. In any event, any person with actual authority needed to settle the dispute should attend the mediation. Guidelines, Page: 2

7. CONDUCT OF MEDIATION SESSION

Unlike a trial, a mediation is informal and non-adversarial in nature. The mediator shall conduct the mediation session in a manner that permits a fair opportunity for each party to present their position and discuss resolution of the dispute. The mediator may choose to have private confidential conferences with each party. The mediator shall assist the parties to reach their own negotiated resolution of the dispute, with the best interests of all parties in mind.

8. PRESENTING YOUR SIDE AT THE MEDIATION HEARING

Although the mediation session is informal in nature, the parties should be well prepared to discuss all relevant issues involved in the dispute. Each party will be given a full opportunity to state their positions in a manner that is comfortable for them. Each party will be allowed to submit relevant documents that are necessary for the mediator to review in order to fully understand the dispute. Documents that a party intends to submit to the mediator for review should, except in rare circumstances be provided to the other parties in advance of the mediation.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY

All information, whether verbal or written, received by the mediator shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed by the mediator at any other proceeding or judicial forum relating to the dispute. The parties shall maintain the confidentiality of the mediation and shall not use as evidence at any other proceeding or judicial forum any views or settlement proposals expressed by the mediator or other parties.