(a) Scope of Plan. The Civil Appeals Mediation Program (CAMP) applies to all civil cases except proceedings in which at least one party appears pro se, matters initially placed on the court's Non-Argument Calendar, petitions for writs of mandamus or prohibition, and habeas corpus cases and proceedings under 28 U.S.C. §2255.

(b) Referral to Circuit Mediation. When a case within CAMP's scope is docketed, the clerk refers it to the Circuit Mediation Office for review. At any time during the pendency of a case, including one outside CAMP's scope, a party may request referral to the Circuit Mediation Office or the Court may so order. The Circuit Mediation Office may recommend to the clerk the entry of orders governing the case.

(c) Mediators. The court employs mediators and may appoint attorneys to serve as volunteer mediators. Mediator disqualification is governed by the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.

(d) CAMP Conference. The court may direct counsel for the parties to participate in a conference to explore the possibility of settlement, narrow the issues, and discuss any matters that may expedite disposition of the appeal.

(1) Counsel's Participation. Before a CAMP conference, counsel must consult with the client and obtain as much authority as feasible to settle the case. At the conference, counsel must be prepared to discuss in depth the legal, factual and procedural issues of the case.

(2) Client Participation. A mediator may require a client to participate in a conference in person or by telephone.

(3) Conference Location. A mediator may hold a conference in person at the Circuit Mediation Office or at another location, or by telephone or video.

(4) Survey. After the conclusion of a CAMP proceeding, each party must complete the anonymous Post-Conference Survey and submit it electronically to this court's Director of Legal Affairs.

(e) Confidentiality. Information shared during a CAMP proceeding is confidential and is not included in court files or disclosed to the judges of this court except to the extent disclosed by an order entered as a result of a CAMP proceeding. The attorneys and other participants are prohibited from disclosing what is said in a CAMP proceeding to anyone other than clients, principals or co-counsel, and then, only upon receiving due assurance that the recipient will honor confidentiality.

(f) Grievance Procedure. Any complaint regarding the handling of any CAMP proceeding must be submitted to the chief judge of the court.

(g) Non-Compliance Sanctions. The court may, after affording notice and an opportunity to be heard, impose sanctions on an attorney or party who does not participate in good faith in the CAMP program.

Last modified at 10/26/2017