What qualifications are required to mediate in Illinois courts?

Illinois does not have a statewide mediator licensing requirement for private mediation practice. However, mediators who want to handle court-referred cases must meet the qualifications established by the relevant circuit court. Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 99, courts that maintain mediation rosters must set minimum qualifications for mediators. For civil mediation, this commonly includes at least 40 hours of mediation training from an approved provider, along with relevant mediation experience. For family mediation, especially custody and parenting time disputes, mediators usually need additional family mediation training. This often includes training in domestic violence issues. Cook County and other circuits may have their own roster requirements, including training, experience, and continuing education. Mediators who are also attorneys must also follow the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, including rules that apply to lawyer-mediators.