The Illinois Assignment of Mediating Judge is a process whereby parties to a dispute can have an impartial third-party mediator assigned to help them settle the matter. This process is conducted through the Illinois Supreme Court's Office of the Chief Mediation Officer and is available for civil matters in the Circuit Courts throughout the state. The assignment of a mediating judge is voluntary and is intended to provide an unbiased third-party to facilitate the resolution of disputes without the need for further litigation. There are two types of Illinois Assignment of Mediating Judge: a court-appointed mediator and a private mediator. A court-appointed mediator is an attorney selected by the court to serve as a neutral third-party who facilitates discussions between the parties, encourages settlement, and ensures the parties comply with court orders. A private mediator is an attorney or other trained professional selected by the parties to serve as a neutral third-party to facilitate discussions between the parties, encourage settlement, and ensure compliance with court orders.