One of the my professional service activities is to be a member of the Committee on Mediator Ethical Guidance, which issues advisory opinions on mediation ethics issues using the Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators.  The Committee always seeks queries on ethical matters, but with the problems surrounding the ABA’s new web site a formal request, which I’ve copied below seemed appropriate.   Please feel free to pose an inquiry.

If you’ve ever had an ethical concern as a practicing mediator, keep in mind the ABA/DRS Committee on Mediator Ethical Guidance may be able to help.  The Committee’s charge is to issue advisory opinions regarding mediation ethics issues. In responding to a request for ethical guidance, the Committee applies the ABA/AAA/ACR Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators (2005), the Committee may also draw on other sources of authority, such as opinions or other guidance issued by state ethics authorities, but its focus is interpreting the Model Standards and applying them to the issue presented. The Committee is open to receiving requests from all sectors of the dispute resolution community — e.g., mediators, mediation programs, and participants in mediations.  Publication of the advisory opinion will not identify the requesting party or any other individual or entity identified in the request. The Committee strives to promptly issue advisory opinions. To submit an ethical inquiry, please email Committee Co-Chair, Tracey Frisch at FrischT@adr.org and/or Committee Member Art Hinshaw at art.hinshaw@asu.edu