About Maryland Judiciary's Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO)

MACRO is the Maryland Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office. We promote the availability, use, and quality of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) throughout Maryland. Our work focuses on supporting ADR programs in courts and communities, supporting the growth and development of ADR practitioners, and creating resources to help the public access ADR services.

In November 2024, the Supreme Court of Maryland approved amendments to the Maryland Rules under Title 17, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). These amendments establish a new, centralized application process for ADR practitioners seeking designation to serve in the circuit courts and orphans’ courts. They also introduce a centralized system for submitting continuing mediator education.

As of July 1, 2025, MACRO now manages the new statewide application platform and oversees compliance with continuing education requirements. In accordance with the Maryland Rules, all designated mediators must complete a minimum of four hours of mediation-related training per calendar year.

MACRO fulfills its mission to promote the availability, use, and quality of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) throughout Maryland by:

• Collaborating with courts, ADR practitioner organizations, and other stakeholders to advance the field of conflict resolution
• Providing grants and technical assistance to support court, community, school and universities and government ADR programs and projects
• Providing training and presentations to courts, bar associations, and other organizations and groups for skill enhancement, professional growth, ethics matters, and public information and awareness
• Working to improve the quality of mediation services by managing the Maryland Program for Mediator Excellence (MPME)
• Supporting, conducting, and encouraging research and evaluation of ADR programs and processes
• Raising public awareness of ADR and supporting the appropriate use of ADR by people and groups experiencing conflict