Sue Pickgrobe reports:

The OMA listserve is an easy and versatile way For all OMA members to communicate directly with each other on any topic related to dispute resolution.  All you need to do is send an email to [email protected].  You can use it to ask questions of each other, to share information such as job opportunities and upcoming seminars, and to share special celebrations, life events.

OMA uses Google Groups as our listserv platform.  This platform can also be used for topical discussions, can be started with an email on the main listserv and then moved to a separate discussion group for those interested in participating in or following that discussion.  We can also set up standing discussion groups for practice areas, such as family or workplace.

The listserv is also flexible as to how frequently you receive communications. You can set up your profile to receive each email individually or to receive a digest of the day’s emails.

Starting in late January, 2020, all current members of OMA will automatically become listserv Members.  We expect that you will enjoy participating in the listserv, but If for any reason you decide that you no longer want to participate, it’s easy to be removed By notifying OMA’s executive director at [email protected].

If you have any questions, or if you would like to lead a discussion group, you can contact the listserv moderator at [email protected].

Increased fees for court-connected settlement conferences take effect October 1, 2019. The slight fee increase for this alternative dispute resolution service is part of the new Circuit Court Fee Schedule containing multiple fee changes. These changes are a result of House Bill 3447.

The new fee for a domestic relations settlement conference now sits at $111 per party for settlement conferences before a judge when the proceeding is subject to a fee under ORS 21.155. The fee was previously $105 per party, based on the Circuit Court fee schedule, effective January 1, 2018. Prior to 2018, the fee for domestic relations settlement conferences was $100 per party.

For other settlement conferences before a judge when the proceeding is a civil proceeding not subject to a filing fee under ORS 21.155, the fee is now increased to $223 for each party. This settlement conference fee is an increase from the previous $210, which took effect January 1, 2018, and the previous $200, which was effective January 1, ORS 21.215 governs the state’s court-connected settlement conference fees.

The current Circuit Court Fee Schedule is available on the OJD website at https://www.courts.oregon.gov/Pages/fees.aspx. Remember that the cost of court fees, settlement conferences, mediation services, and attorney fees, are all issues that can be negotiated in nearly all alternative dispute resolution processes. For questions about court fee waivers or deferral procedures, see your local circuit court’s website or contact the circuit court.

OMA awarded 11 scholarships for community dispute resolution center (CDRC) volunteer mediators for the 2019 OMA Conference.  Volunteering with a CDRC is a wonderful opportunity for new mediators to gain experience, make connections in the mediator world, gain valuable mentoring opportunities and even attend the fall conference at a discounted rate.  Even experienced mediators often find volunteering with CDRCs very helpful.  They stay connected to their community, give back by mediating community and neighborhood issues and take advantage of the CDRCs continuing education opportunities.  There are 16 CDRCs in Oregon, reach out to your local center and explore what opportunities they may have for you!   https://law.uoregon.edu/explore/ADR-local-centers