Tips

Scheduling Tips from the WAMS Case Administration Staff

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  • When you contact WAMS to schedule a case, let us know if you have a mediator preference and if you need a full-day, half-day or Express option. Also advise if you have a preferred hearing location. This information helps us narrow down the options and provides you and your client the most accurate information.
  • Be prepared to tell us a bit about your case and which dates don’t work. That way, we won’t waste time providing you with mediator or date options that will not be a good fit for your particular case type and time frame.
  • Provide email addresses for scheduling assistants you have been working with to help facilitate our efforts to coordinate the details.
  • Let us know whether L&I or other subrogated interests are involved in a case. If such representatives are expected to attend the mediation, we can add them to our attendance list and coordinate scheduling, as needed.
  • Make sure to read the fee memo you receive from WAMS and notice if a fee deposit is required and note the due date and cancellation deadline.
  • Provide the names of all representatives attending on behalf of your client so that WAMS can allocate appropriate rooms according to party size and also ensure the accuracy of our conflicts check process.
  • Always advise WAMS if you expect another party to participate. Since WAMS fees are partially based on the number of parties and rooms allocated, it is imperative that WAMS be informed prior to the mediation date of all expected attendees and any changes.
  • We recommend that mediation materials be submitted three (3) business days prior to the mediation. The best and quickest way to get information to the mediator is to email your brief to WAMS (wams@usamwa.com). Please do not fax or send lengthy attachments or large files via email. Instead, send a hard copy of exhibits and materials that can’t be sent by email.
  • Take advantage of WAMS’ online calendar for short-notice scheduling (cases submitted within 10 business days of the requested mediation date). This handy tool can make the scheduling process much faster for you. Check the Short-Notice Calendar for more info.