DCCA Mediation Screening Form – Washington DC

DCCA Mediation Screening form is used to screen cases for mediation in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.  It must be certified as accurate to the best of the knowledge of the person completing it, including their signature, bar number, contact information, and email address. This form is essential for determining whether mediation is a viable option for resolving the dispute on appeal.

This guide will help you complete the Mediation Screening Statement form accurately as follows:

1. Appeal Number

• What to Enter: The unique number assigned to your appeal case.
• Where to Find It: This number is provided by the court when your appeal is filed.

2. Superior Court Number

• What to Enter: The case number from the Superior Court.
• Where to Find It: This number is on documents from the original trial court.

3. Case Caption

• What to Enter: The official title or name of your case.
• Example: “Smith v. Jones.”

4. Case Type

• What to Enter: The nature of your case.
• Examples: Civil, Family, Probate.

5. Brief Description of the Facts

• What to Enter: A concise summary of the facts that led to the initial dispute.
• Tips: Keep it brief but informative. Focus on key events and dates.

6. Nature of Disposition Below

• What to Enter: The outcome of the trial court’s decision.
• Examples: “Summary judgment granted to the defendant,” “Verdict for the plaintiff.”

7. Principal Issues in Appeal and Standards of Review

• What to Enter: A clear statement of the main issues you are appealing and the standard of review.
• Examples: “Whether the trial court erred in granting summary judgment (de novo review),” “Whether the evidence supports the jury’s verdict (substantial evidence review).”
• Tips: Consult your attorney to ensure accuracy.

8. New Questions of Law

• What to Enter: If applicable, state any new legal question raised by the appeal.
• Example: “Does the new statute apply retroactively?”
• Note: If there are no new questions of law, you can skip this section or write “N/A.”

9. Factors Weighing in Favor of or Against Mediation

• What to Enter: Considerations that support or oppose mediation.
• Examples: “Parties are willing to negotiate,” “Previous mediation attempts failed.”
• Tips: Be honest and provide specific reasons.

10. Attempts at Resolution Since Trial Court Decision

• What to Enter: Detail any efforts made to resolve the dispute post-trial.
• Examples: “Settlement discussions held on [date],” “Mediation session on [date].”

Certification

• What to Enter: Certify the accuracy of the information.
• Signature: Your signature.
• Name: Your full name.
• Bar Number: Your attorney’s bar number (if applicable).
• Address: Your mailing address.
• Telephone Number: Your contact number.
• Email Address: Your email for correspondence.

Final Tips

• Review: Double-check all entries for accuracy.
• Consult: If uncertain, consult your attorney to ensure the form is completed correctly.
• Submit: Submit the form as instructed by the court.

Filling out this form accurately is crucial for the mediation process. Ensure all information is clear and correct to facilitate an effective review by the court.