Is there a state certification or license required to practice as a mediator in New York?
Direct Answer
New York does not require a statewide license for private mediators, but court and community mediation programs have their own training and roster requirements.
New York does not have a statewide licensing or certification requirement for private mediation practice. A person may generally offer private mediation services without holding a state mediator license.
However, mediators who want to receive referrals from the court system or serve on Community Dispute Resolution Center panels must meet the training standards set by the appropriate court or ADR program.
For community mediation programs, mediators commonly need basic mediation training and supervised co-mediation experience. For more advanced court rosters, such as commercial mediation rosters, mediators may need substantial ADR experience, advanced training, or recognized professional credentials.
The New York State Bar Association’s Dispute Resolution Section also publishes voluntary practice standards. Mediators who are attorneys must follow the professional conduct rules that apply to lawyer-mediators.