Press Release  Trial Court Announces Launch of MBA Volunteer Mediation Pilot Program in Superior Court Civil Session

BOSTON, MA — The Massachusetts Trial Court, in partnership with the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA), today announced the launch of the MBA Volunteer Mediation Pilot Program, an initiative designed to expand access to mediation services in the Civil Session at the Suffolk County Superior Court. 

Beginning August 3, 2026, the pilot program will provide free mediation services in selected civil cases in which at least one party lacks the financial means to engage a private mediator. The initiative was developed to help resolve a number of civil cases in Suffolk Superior Court while expanding access to mediation for litigants who otherwise might not be able to afford it.

Under the program, Suffolk Superior Court will identify and refer eligible motor vehicle tort cases, slip-and-fall tort cases, and certain contract cases for mediation. The Administrative Office of the Superior Court will administer the initiative through the department’s in-house court-connected mediation program. 

“The Trial Court is committed to expanding access to justice through innovative partnerships. We are grateful to the MBA and its volunteer mediators for helping make mediation available to litigants who otherwise might not have access to this valuable resource,” Trial Court Chief Justice Heidi E. Brieger said.

The MBA’s Dispute Resolution Section Council will recruit and select volunteer mediators in partnership with Suffolk Superior Court and the Trial Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator. 

“Strengthening access to justice is a critical objective for the administration of courts across the Commonwealth, and the ability to efficiently move civil cases toward resolution is essential to achieving that goal. Reducing the number of pending civil cases will benefit all parties and lawyers litigating in Suffolk County,” MBA President Michael Hayden and MBA President-elect Samuel Segal said in a joint statement.

Volunteer mediators are experienced attorney-mediators who are members of the MBA Dispute Resolution Section. The initiative also provides an opportunity for newer mediators to gain practical experience from the designated experienced volunteer mediator during the mediation session.

To participate, MBA volunteer mediators must complete at least 30 hours of mediation training, maintain professional liability insurance covering mediation services, and have at least five years of civil litigation and personal injury experience. Participating mediators also commit to conducting two four-hour pro bono mediation sessions each year to remain on the pilot roster.

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