House Bill 1593 Summary

• Requires mandatory mediation before any attorney disciplinary or malpractice action may proceed, except in cases involving criminal charges or interim suspensions.

• Mediation must occur within 30 days of initial grievance filing with the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission, with each party paying equally for one hour of mediator time.

• A party refusing to participate in mediation will be denied the right to file grievances, or if the attorney refuses, may be found uncooperative by the ISCDC.

• Mediation remains confidential except for the final report, which the mediator must file within 14 days to both parties and the ISCDC.

• Legal malpractice actions cannot proceed until mediation is conducted for at least two hours and a report is filed, with trial court judges required to verify compliance before hearing the case.