The Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators have served as ethical guidelines for mediators since 1994 (with revisions in 2005). During the past 30 years, the practice of mediation has evolved, expanded to new practice areas, and become more embedded in our society. As a result, a Joint Committee was formed including representatives from the original drafting organizations: the ABA Dispute Resolution Section, the American Arbitration Association (AAA), and the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR).

The Joint Committee will review and revise the standards and has formed an Advisory Committee to help inform the project. The Advisory Committee is gathering input and ideas from as many people in the dispute resolution field as possible. To that end, the Committee welcomes all mediators to complete this survey to provide feedback and input in this early stage of the review process. Survey responses are due no later than April 24, 2026 @ 5:00 pm Eastern. See details at online.

(Survey response deadline: 4/24/26 at 5:00 pm ET) 

Members of the Joint Committee:

Kristen Blankley, ABA Dispute Resolution Section

Tracey Frisch, American Arbitration Association

Marya Kolman, Association for Conflict Resolution

Cassie Lively, American Arbitration Association

Ana Sambold, ABA Dispute Resolution Section

Robyn Weinstein, Independent Reporter

Terry Wheeler, Association for Conflict Resolution