Mediation and ADR
Caucus
Also called private session or separate session
A private meeting between the mediator and one side, held apart from the other side, to talk through options and concerns more openly.[1][2]
In more detail
Virginia's standards for certified mediators require the mediator to reach an understanding with the parties about the practice of separate meetings (caucus) before relying on them.[1] In the Northern District of California's program, the mediator may hold sessions with everyone together or with each side alone, and may accept confidential statements that aren't shared with the other side.[2] Whether something said in caucus can be passed on depends on the mediator's practice and your agreement, so ask at the start.
Varies by state
Mediators and programs handle caucus confidentiality differently; the agreement to mediate or local rules usually say how. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Opening statementThe start of a mediation session, when the mediator explains the process and each side describes the dispute from its own point of view.
- ConfidentialityThe rule that what is said in mediation generally stays private.
- MediatorA neutral, impartial person who conducts a mediation and helps the parties reach their own agreement, without deciding the dispute.
- Agreement to mediateA written agreement, signed before mediation begins, in which the parties and the mediator set the ground rules: the mediator's role and style, fees, confidentiality and its exceptions, and how the process can end.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
General information, not legal advice. MediationList is not a law firm. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Cite this page
MediationList. (2026, October 28). Caucus: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/caucus/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.