Many of our Nevada clients wanted to know more about the Las Vegas Justice Center's mandatory Mediation program. Below I have posted a section of the court's website explaining the program. By the way, the Mediation program does allow Attorney's to be present at the hearing. We've been advising our clients that it's much more important to have your Attorney (this is voluntary) at the Small Claims hearing than at the Mediation hearing.

Mandatory Mediation for Small Claims Cases Required
After September 1, 2011


Mandatory mediation is being implemented on a pilot basis in the Las Vegas Justice Court, pending the Nevada Supreme Court’s formal approval of a proposed local rule.

For every Small Claims Complaint filed in the Las Vegas Justice Court on or after September 1, 2011, the defendant will be required to file a written Answer in response to the Complaint. Once the Answer has been filed, the Justice Court Clerk’s Office will schedule the case for mandatory mediation.

Certain cases are automatically exempt from the mandatory mediation requirement, including cases arising under NRS Chapter 97A (“Debt Evidenced by Credit Card”) and NRS Chapter 604A (“Deferred Deposit Loans, High-Interest Loans, Title Loans, and Check-Cashing Services”). Cases filed by inmates against the Nevada Department of Corrections are also automatically exempt from the mandatory mediation requirement.

Mediation is an informal process in which neutral mediators assist the disputing parties in resolving their dispute by helping them identify issues and settlement options.

Mediations will be conducted by staff mediators of the Clark County Courts Neighborhood Justice Center at 330 S. 3rd Street, Suite 600, across the street from the Regional Justice Center.

Mediation programs for small-claims cases are already in place in many cities across the country. Chief Judge Karen Bennett-Haron of the Las Vegas Justice Court believes that the Court’s new mediation process will result in increased satisfaction among the parties, a reduction in the need for future litigation, and a more efficient use of judicial resources. If parties cannot resolve their issues in mediation, the case will be scheduled for trial at a later date.

For questions about Small Claims Mediation, please contact the Clark County Courts Neighborhood Justice Center at (702) 455-3898.