What Does a Mediator Do?

Mediators are professionals who help people resolve disputes. They act as impartial third parties, facilitating communication between disputing parties and helping them to reach a mutually agreeable resolution. Mediation is an alternative to traditional court proceedings that can be faster, cheaper, and more efficient than other methods of dispute resolution.

Mediator Job Duties

Mediators have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Working with other professionals such as lawyers, social workers, psychologists, mental health counselors, and psychiatrists to provide support for parties involved in mediation
• Conducting research to gather facts about the issues in dispute
• Identifying and negotiating solutions to conflict by creating consensus between disputing parties
• Conducting research to gather information about legal issues or precedents that may be relevant to the case
• Maintaining confidentiality regarding all aspects of the mediation process
• Working with other professionals such as lawyers, social workers, psychologists, mental health counselors, and psychiatrists to provide support for parties involved in mediation
• Preparing a written agreement detailing the terms of settlement reached by the parties involved in the mediation process
• Supporting parties in conflict resolution by helping them develop strategies for dealing with conflict
• Conducting research to gather information about legal issues or precedents that may be relevant to the case

Mediator Salary & Outlook

Mediators’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the type of dispute they are mediating.

• Median Annual Salary: $76,500 ($36.78/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $173,000 ($83.17/hour)

The employment of mediators is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

The need for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, such as mediation, is expected to increase because of the growing complexity of legal issues and the large volume of cases in the courts. As more people seek legal help, demand for ADR services will increase.

Related: 25 Mediator Interview Questions and Answers

Mediator Job Requirements

A mediator typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Most employers require mediators to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Some employers prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in conflict resolution, psychology, social work or another related field.

Many universities offer degree programs in conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation. These programs typically include coursework in communication, ethics, negotiation and conflict resolution.

Training & Experience: Most states require mediators to complete a training program before they can practice. These programs typically last between 30 and 90 days and teach the basics of mediation, including negotiation techniques, ethics and the role of a mediator. Some states also require mediators to complete a certain number of hours of training before they can practice.

Certifications & Licenses: Most states require mediators to have a certification or license. The process and requirements vary from state to state, so you will need to check the requirements in the state where you plan to practice.

Mediator Skills

Mediators need the following skills in order to be successful:

Active listening: Active listening means paying attention to the speaker and their needs. Mediators need to be able to listen to both parties and understand their needs and concerns. Active listening can help you to better understand the situation and find a solution that works for both parties.

Communication: Mediators often use verbal communication to convey messages to parties and help them understand each other. They also use written communication to send messages to parties and keep the negotiation process moving forward. Finally, they use nonverbal communication to help parties understand each other’s body language and emotions.

Conflict resolution: Conflict resolution is the ability to help two parties find common ground and agree on a solution. Mediators use their conflict resolution skills to help parties reach an agreement. This can involve helping the parties understand each other’s perspectives, identifying the issues that are causing conflict and finding solutions that satisfy both parties.

Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand another person’s perspective and feelings. Mediators use empathy to help parties in a negotiation understand each other’s needs and perspectives. Empathy can also help a mediator understand how to best support the parties in a negotiation.

Neutrality: Neutrality is the ability to remain unbiased and objective during a negotiation. Mediators often use their neutrality to help parties reach an agreement. For example, a mediator might remain silent when one party makes a concession to help the other party feel like they’re making progress.

Mediator Work Environment

Mediators work in a variety of settings, including law firms, government agencies, mediation centers, and private companies. They may work full time or part time, and their hours may be flexible. Some mediators are self-employed and set their own hours. Mediators typically work under a great deal of pressure to resolve conflicts quickly and efficiently. They must be able to think on their feet and make quick decisions. They also must be able to deal with difficult people and handle emotionally charged situations.

Mediator Trends

Here are three trends influencing how mediators work. Mediators will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Diversity in the Profession

The need for more diversity in the profession is becoming increasingly important as society becomes more diverse. This is especially true in the legal field, where mediators play a key role in helping people resolve their disputes.

As more and more people from different backgrounds come into contact with each other, the need for mediators who can understand and relate to their experiences will become even more apparent. Those who are able to provide this type of understanding will be in high demand, and those who are able to do so will be well-positioned for success.

More Use of Technology in Mediation

The use of technology in mediation is becoming more common as lawyers and judges realize the benefits of using it.

Technology can be used to help parties communicate with each other during mediation, which can make the process easier and more efficient. It can also be used to record meetings and create records of what was said.

Mediators who are familiar with technology will be better equipped to handle these types of cases. They will also be able to recommend technologies that will help their clients get the most out of mediation.

A Greater Focus on Collaborative Law

Collaborative law is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method that involves all parties working together to reach a mutually agreeable settlement. It is becoming increasingly popular among couples who are getting divorced, as it allows them to avoid the often contentious and expensive court system.

As collaborative law becomes more popular, mediators will need to learn how to facilitate these negotiations. They will need to be able to help parties find common ground and work towards a solution that is fair for everyone involved.

How to Become a Mediator

A career as a mediator can be very rewarding. It offers the opportunity to help people resolve their disputes peacefully, which can have a positive impact on their lives. Additionally, it provides the chance to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures.

To become a successful mediator, you need to have strong communication skills, be able to listen carefully, and be impartial. You also need to be able to think critically and be able to see all sides of an issue.

Advancement Prospects

Most mediators start their careers working for mediation firms, government agencies, or law firms. With experience, they may move up to positions of greater responsibility, such as managing partner or director of mediation services. Some mediators become independent consultants.

To advance in their careers, mediators need to develop strong communication and negotiation skills. They also need to be able to think creatively to come up with solutions that satisfy both parties in a dispute. In addition, they need to be familiar with the law and with the mediation process.

Some mediators choose to specialize in a particular area, such as family mediation or workplace mediation. Specialization can make it easier to find work and to command higher fees. Mediators who are also lawyers may have an advantage in getting hired by law firms.

Mediator Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we understand that conflict is a natural part of any workplace. What sets us apart is how we handle that conflict. We’re looking for a skilled mediator to help us resolve disputes between employees, departments, and/or management. The ideal candidate will have experience mediating conflict, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to remain impartial and objective. He or she will be expected to facilitate discussion, identify common ground, and help parties find mutually agreeable solutions.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as a professional, objective third party to help disputing parties reach a mutually agreeable resolution
• Help clients understand the mediation process and what they can expect from it
• Educate clients on the potential benefits and drawbacks of mediation vs. other methods of dispute resolution
• Work with clients to identify their goals for mediation and help them develop realistic expectations
• Prepare clients for mediation by helping them gather relevant information and documents
• Help clients understand the interests of the other party and brainstorm possible solutions
• Facilitate open communication between parties during mediation sessions
• Help parties generate creative solutions to their disputes
• Keep confidential all information shared during mediation sessions
• Assist parties in drafting a written agreement that reflects the terms of their settlement
• Follow up with parties after mediation to ensure that the agreement is being implemented
• Maintain accurate records of all mediations conducted

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in conflict resolution, mediation, or related field
• 3-5 years professional experience as a mediator or similar role
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to remain calm and impartial in difficult situations
• Flexible schedule and ability to travel as needed
• Completion of 40-hour mediation training program

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in conflict resolution, mediation, or related field
• 7-10 years professional experience as a mediator or similar role
• Advanced training in mediation, such as advanced facilitation skills, interest-based negotiation, etc.
• Experience mediating international disputes
• Bilingual or multilingual