What qualifications must a mediator have in a Jersey Mikes mediation?

According to Jersey Mikes' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, controversies, disputes, or claims between Jersey Mikes and a developer must be submitted for binding arbitration, on demand of either party. The arbitration proceedings will be conducted by one arbitrator, who must be either a retired New Jersey State Court Judge, or retired Federal Court Judge.

This means that if a dispute arises between a Jersey Mikes developer and the company, the arbitrator selected to resolve the issue must meet specific professional criteria. They must have prior experience as a judge in either the New Jersey State Court system or the Federal Court system. This requirement ensures that the arbitrator has a strong legal background and experience in handling complex legal matters.

This requirement aims to provide a level of expertise and impartiality to the arbitration process. By mandating that the arbitrator be a retired judge, Jersey Mikes seeks to ensure that disputes are resolved by someone with a deep understanding of the law and a proven track record of fairness. This can give franchisees confidence that any disputes will be handled professionally and equitably. However, the FDD does not specify any qualifications for a mediator, only for an arbitrator.