New Era of Community Engagement & Supporting Mediation

Welcoming the New Year with Innovation and Access

A Message from Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II

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JANUARY 2026

As we enter 2026, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County (Court) reaffirms its commitment to making justice more accessible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of our communities. Last year marked an exciting chapter in our journey to modernize court operations, streamline case resolution, and embrace innovative tools that strengthen the judicial system. Two initiatives exemplify this vision: the launch of Court Commons and the expansion of our Mediation Volunteer Panel (MVP).

Meaningful Community Engagement

LINK TO VIDEO 

After two years of thoughtful development, the Court proudly launched Court Commons on December 12, 2025. Court Commons is a mobile community resource center designed to bring the Court directly to the people we serve. This initiative reflects our enduring commitment to transparency, accessibility, and civic education. Court Commons is a modular, solar-powered exhibit that travels to schools, neighborhoods, and civic events across the County, offering immersive programming and self-help resources that demystify the judicial system. From interactive zones like “Why Courts Matter” and “Navigating the Court” to hands-on experiences such as “Wear the Robe,” Court Commons invites residents to engage with the Court in meaningful, memorable ways.

This effort is more than an exhibit—it is a statement of values. Justice must be visible, accessible, and grounded in the communities it serves. By meeting people where they are, we foster trust and understanding. Whether it’s a student envisioning a future in law, a parent seeking guidance on expungement, or a community member curious about courtroom operations, Court Commons opens doors to knowledge and empowerment. We are grateful to our partners at Half Sister Studio for helping us bring this vision to life, and to our colleagues and community leaders who joined us at the launch event in Gloria Molina Grand Park to celebrate this milestone. We invite members of the Bar to join us at upcoming Court Commons events and help amplify civic education in your communities.

Finally, if you have ideas about where Court Commons should go next, let us know by contacting the Community Engagement office at the information provided on the Court Commons website.

Calling Attorneys to Be Mediators for the Court’s Mediation Volunteer Panel

Over the past year alone, civil filings (limited and unlimited) have increased by 13 percent, with unlimited civil filings increasing by 11 percent year over year and limited civil filings increasing by 30 percent in the same period. These filing increases continue to significantly intensify demand on already constrained judicial resources. In response, the Court is prioritizing judicial assignments to maximize courtroom availability and is investing heavily in innovations designed to free up civil judicial capacity, including the continued expansion and strengthening of its alternative dispute resolution programs to resolve appropriate matters earlier and outside of trial.

On example of this effort is the Court’s Mediation Volunteer Panel, a program that supports the resolution of civil disputes through virtual mediation in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.835 et seq.

Judicial officers have referred more than 5,000 civil cases to the Court’s Mediation Volunteer Panel (MVP) since its launch, and we are incredibly grateful to the 250 attorney volunteers who have dedicated their time and talent to serve as mediators. Unlimited civil cases referred to the MVP are eligible for three hours of virtual mediation at no cost. MVP mediators generously volunteer to coordinate and conduct the mediation sessions. Through MVP, mediators focus on facilitating communication among parties, which often leads to mutually agreeable settlements.

Referrals are expected to continue to increase in 2026 with high civil case volume. I encourage you to apply to join the MVP to support case resolution. Attorneys without prior mediation experience may apply to participate in the Court’s 25-hour, MCLE-certified training, The Fundamentals of Court-Connected Mediation. Apply by Jan. 20, 2026, for the next training session, which will be held virtually in February.

Watch this video to hear directly from your peers about this rewarding experience, or visit the MVP webpage, to learn more.

The Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee is also seeking attorneys to serve as members of the ADR Committee for a two-year term. The committee is composed of judicial officers, attorneys from both sides of the aisle, and mediators. The group oversees the Court’s array of ADR programs and assists with outreach and education. For more information, review the Notice at www.lacourt.ca.gov or contact ADRCivil@lacourt.org.

Closing: Building a Modern, Accessible Court

As we step into the new year, the Court remains steadfast in its mission to improve accessibility, streamline case resolution, and modernize operations to better serve attorneys and the public. We are actively pursuing innovative tools and approaches that enhance efficiency, transparency, and confidence in the judicial system. These efforts—whether through community engagement initiatives like Court Commons or expanded ADR programs—reflect our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Los Angeles County. Together, with your partnership and support, we will continue to build a court system that is not only effective and fair but also forward-thinking and inclusive.