Administrative Order No. 3.1241(A) requires mediation in all contested circuit court cases (claim exceeds $15,000) in the Eighth Judicial Circuit.  The Order provides that the Court refer a case to mediation no later than the first case management conference, but encourages parties, upon stipulation, to proceed to mediation at an earlier stage of the proceedings.  If a party is represented by counsel, the attorney of record must appear at the mediation conference (along with the party) unless the parties stipulate to the contrary or the Court otherwise orders. 

In most circuit cases, the parties select their own mediator. A list of certified circuit mediators practicing in the Eighth Judicial Circuit is available here.