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Mediator

Career Overview

Are you the peacemaker – the person who hammers out compromises between bickering friends and family members? Attracted to the legal profession, but law school is out of the question? Consider becoming a Mediator. During a lawsuit but before a trial, Mediators are neutral parties who use their professional skills to help people resolve disputes by helping to negotiate a settlement agreement. All parties are actively involved in the confidential process, which acts like an informal trial; the settlement agreement is legally binding. Most Mediators work freelance, determining their own hours and clients while earning great salaries!

Job Outlook

• Job growth is growing, as the need for lawsuit settlement increases within the legal industry
• Many individuals and businesses try to avoid going to trial, which can involve lengthy delays, high costs and unwanted publicity
• Mediation and other alternatives to trial are usually faster and cheaper, spurring demand for the services of Mediators
• Demand also will continue to increase as some jurisdictions require parties to meet with a mediator in certain circumstances, such as child custody issues

Show Me the Money!

Mediators’ salaries vary according to location, experience and specialization, but can be high, even for those new to the field. According the the Los Angeles Superior Court ADR Pro Bono Panel (www.lasuperiorourt.org/ADR), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics [www.bls.gov], the average wage for Mediation in California can range from $40.00 to $300.00 per hour, with a salary averaging anywhere from $60,000 to $100,000 per year.

A Day in the Life

• Normally mediators specialize, and may mediate only one dispute a day
• Make phone calls and exchange emails regarding current and upcoming cases
• Contact plaintiff’s and defendant’s attorneys to schedule the mediation
• From each attorney, request a Mediation Brief – the document stating details about the dispute at hand, along with facts and legal arguments to be presented
• Review the Mediation Brief before the mediation hearing
• Hold the mediation hearing with both parties and their attorneys present, negotiate an agreement, and settle the case

Your Workplace

This field offers a variety of workplaces, depending on the clients – private offices, meeting rooms, attorneys’ offices, courtrooms and schools, to name a few. Some work can be performed from home.

Training, Degrees or Licensure

While many Mediators have a Bachelor’s Degree, it is not necessary. There is no set standard licensure or certification for Mediation, and applicants can still become a mediator with only 42 hours of mediation training, although job opportunities might be limited. (For example, to be eligible for the Los Angeles Superior Court Panel, a Mediator must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.)

Movin’ On Up

Mediators typically must receive 8-16  hours of additional training per year in order to maintain eligibility. With more experience come opportunities for advancement, like specialization, tackling more complex cases or beginning their own practices.

Traits For Success

Candidates must have good communication and listening skills, as candidates must be able to listen to the parties and determine how to use the information to settle the case. Leadership skills are also crucial, as a Mediator must lead two disputing parties to negotiate a solution. This job requires articulate writing and speaking skills, as well as creative problem-solving skills, a nonjudgemental outlook, a calm demeanor and patience.

Did You Know?

A court case is filed in the U.S. every 30 seconds!