Judges Demand Adherence to Foreclosure Mediation Programs

As I've written before, I currently serve on foreclosure mediation panels in several judicial districts in New Mexico, and participate regularly in the Multi-State Foreclosure Prevention and Mediation Group listserve/discussions group (Listserve).

Through these discussions, I've learned that today many, many other states or jurisdictions have also organized foreclosure mediation programs in response to the foreclosure crisis.  See RSI Foreclosure Mediation and Mitigation Program Models, http://courtadr.org/file/ForeclosureMediationProgramModels_May2011.pdf (accessed Dec. 29, 2011).  Although some such programs have struggled or even been discontinued, such as in Florida, elsewhere the judges are quite committed to enforcing the letter and spirit of their foreclosure mediation orders. 

Ethics and Service of Process in the Digital Era

I'm a professional "neutral"--arbitrator, mediator and ALJ--who is also an avid tweeter and blogger.  What began as just one more way to try to build market presence quickly became something I intrinsically enjoy--although, as apparent from my increasingly sporadic by-line dates, I have more trouble finding time to do it as my business does grow!

At any rate, because of my involvement in various social media, I am especially sensitive these days to how the digital era is challenging lawyers and decision makers in many ways.  The Facebook  issue has been well trod by me and others, but new issues seem to arise every month, a couple of which I'd like to talk about.