Mediators shall consist of attorneys appointed by the court or by the bar associations who have agreed to serve as volunteer mediators and who meet the experience and training requirements deemed appropriate by the court.

Bar associations may designate a member of their association to serve as a mediation coordinator (“coordinator”), who shall assist in the administration of the mediation program. In counties within a judicial department where there are fewer than 200 registered attorneys, bar associations may designate a regional mediation coordinator to represent the interests of the respective bar associations.

Mediators, as volunteers, are expressly authorized to participate in a State-sponsored volunteer program within the meaning of section 17(1) of the Public Officers Law.