The New York Mediator Oath is a pledge taken by mediators when they are appointed to a mediation case in New York. The oath is taken to ensure that mediators will adhere to the standards and guidelines of practice set out by the New York State Unified Court System. The oath is typically taken in the presence of the parties and/or attorneys involved in the case. The New York Mediator Oath states that the mediator will: • Conduct the mediation in good faith • Follow the mediator’s code of conduct • Act with impartiality and independence • Exercise professional judgment and skill • Maintain the strict confidentiality of the mediation proceedings • Not engage in any ex parte communication with the parties or their attorneys • Not make any recommendation or advice to the parties • Not provide legal advice or assist in the drafting of any documents • Not accept any gifts or other consideration from the parties • Act as a neutral third-party facilitator in the mediation There are two types of New York Mediator Oaths: the Standard Mediator Oath and the Special Mediator Oath. The Standard Mediator Oath is used in all medications conducted in New York, while the Special Mediator Oath is used in certain cases where the court has specific requirements for the mediator.