About Specialized Case Type

OAH offers alternative dispute resolution with the consent of all the parties with the followings:

(1) Mediation by a neutral mediator.

(2) Binding arbitration by a neutral arbitrator. An award in a binding arbitration is subject to judicial review in the manner provided in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 1285) of Title 9 of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(3) Nonbinding arbitration by a neutral arbitrator. The arbitrator's decision in a nonbinding arbitration is final unless within 30 days after the arbitrator delivers the award to the agency head a party requests that the agency conduct a de novo adjudicative proceeding.  If the decision in the de novo proceeding is not more favorable to the  party electing the de novo proceeding, the party shall pay the costs and fees specified in Section 1141.21 of the Code of Civil Procedure insofar as applicable in the adjudicative proceeding.

For additional information about mediation, visit the Mediation Information page.

For additional information about alternative dispute resolution visit the Other Specialized Case Type Resources page or click on the Resources link below.

Employee Mediations are mediations between employees of an agency or department.  When there’s a conflict between employees, the agency may offer mediation as a way of informally resolving the issue(s) to preserve a productive and healthy work environment while avoiding further escalation of the issue.  Supervisors or managers of the employees are welcome to participate at the mediation as a mediation participant not as a boss.