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What does a Mediator do?

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Talent.com talent.com
Answered July 19 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
Mediators do not judge or intervene, nor do they provide legal advice. Their role in a dispute is to facilitate communication between parties so that conflict resolution can be achieved. Mediators can either be self-employed or salaried employees of courts. Thus, their work hours or fees can vary depending on their employment situation.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest employer of Mediators is local (city or county) governments, followed by state governments. This makes sense as most Mediators work for governments to help prevent disputes from entering the court system, which is a lengthy and costly process. 

 Most Mediators work 9-5 Monday to Friday office hours. They usually work out of an office or conference space where disputants see them as it provides a neutral starting point. Often, they start in joint sessions with all parties and then move on to individual sessions. Some Mediators also work entirely in joint sessions. 

Roles and responsibilities of a Mediator
  • Facilitate meetings with disputants to outline the mediation process. 
  • Employ mediation techniques such as asking relevant questions and allowing for time to speak to improve the communication between disputing parties. 
  • Highlight the needs and interests of all parties and clarify their concerns.
  • Interview disputants, witnesses, and other affected parties to gain information about the situation.
  • Prepare written opinions about cases. 
  • Research any relevant laws, regulations, or policies and apply them to the case. 
  • Inform all parties of any research, precedents, or other pertinent legal information without giving legal advice. 
  • Read and evaluate the information in written records. 
  • Remain impartial and neutral throughout the mediation process. 
  • Uphold the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality throughout the mediation. 
  • Assist the parties in implementing the mediation solution by directing them to resources such as notaries, social workers, therapists, or other professionals, depending on the context. 
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