A Mediator is a person who helps people resolve legal disputes of any kind. They help people come to a resolution without having to resort to the courts. In effect, mediation is a good step to help keep parties amenable, save on legal fees, and remove some of the burdens of an over-extended court system.

Mediation is a voluntary process. Parties are not required to use it or even come to an agreement. Instead, it is a helpful tool in achieving conflict resolution without going through the time and cost of formal litigation. 

Often Mediators have a background in a particular work area and leverage that experience into a mediation career. Some areas of mediation include:

• Adoption
• Business
• Commercial
• Divorce
• Employment
• Intellectual property
• Personal injury
• Real estate
• Technology

Mediators make suggestions for conflict resolution, but unlike a judgment written by a sworn judge or even an Arbitrator, their advice is not legally binding. If a Mediator produces a written agreement, but the parties wind up going to court anyway, the agreement may be used as evidence and enforced by the court. 

Personality of a Mediator

• Discretion

Mediation sessions are often confidential. Thus, a high level of discretion is required in this career. 

• Problem-Solving

By the nature of their work, Mediators are employed to solve disputes. They need to approach each conflict with an open mind and look at the problem from a neutral perspective to find acceptable solutions to all parties involved.

• Listening Skills

Mediators need to listen actively and sometimes read between what disputants are upset about.

• Calm

In some instances, such as family or adoption disputes, conflict can become quite confrontational or emotionally charged. Mediators need to have a relaxed and calm attitude to diffuse these situations as quickly as possible.

• Trustworthy

When clients are sharing their problems and grievances, they feel vulnerable. A good Mediator needs to have the people skills to inspire trust and allow clients to feel safe in sharing all the details of the situation.