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Reviewed by:
Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University
Reviewed: 6/03/24
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to become a mediator.
If you like working directly with people and solving problems, a career as a mediator is an excellent field to pursue. Mediators are hired by governments, legal companies, and private clients to resolve disputes between two or more people. Below, we’ll outline key information to help you decide whether mediation is right for you.
If you want to become a mediator, keep reading for a step-by-step guide.
A mediator is a neutral third party who resolves a dispute between two parties. They bring both parties together to reach an agreement outside of court.
Mediation differs from a trial because the decision isn't binding, but it's a good alternative to expensive and lengthy legal battles.
There are many areas of mediation a person can choose from. Some of these areas include:
Despite what area of mediation you decide to pursue, you’ll still follow the disciplines of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
There is no pre-mediator degree, but a few specific degrees will give you transferable skills.
Some degrees you should consider taking are:
These programs will help you fine-tune your communication, writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Some people pursue higher education after their bachelor’s, such as a master’s degree. While this is not necessary, it’s definitely something to think about!
Although completing a dispute resolution program isn’t mandatory to become a mediator, it is strongly recommended. The program can teach you important skills used by professional mediators and can improve your resume and job prospects.
Colleges that offer dispute resolution programs include classroom learning and then move to real-world practice to help train future mediators.
Since mediators often work in high-level roles, an advanced degree can be helpful. Good options for prospective mediators include degrees in:
Doctoral or master’s degrees in relevant fields are also beneficial, as they show a deeper understanding of laws and policies. Overall, an advanced degree can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.
It may be difficult to get relevant work experience immediately. If that is the case, look for volunteer opportunities and internships that will look great on your resume.
While a legal background isn’t necessary to become a mediator, going to law school can be beneficial.
Law school provides you with experience working in the legal field. These opportunities help you refine your writing, research, critical thinking, and conflict resolution skills, all of which complement the skills and experience needed for mediation.
Some states may require you to take mediation training before entering the workforce which results in a certification. However, this is not a requirement for every state.
Either way, we recommend you consider taking a 40-hour mediation training program—it’s how to become a certified mediator. Some popular mediation programs include Northwestern University’s mediation training program, which teaches the fundamental and practical techniques needed to succeed in the field.
The National Association of Certified Mediators (NACM) also offers a 40-hour mediation course for certification. Taking a training course will boost your resume and make you a desirable candidate to potential employers.
A mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates communication and negotiation between conflicting parties to help them reach a voluntary resolution. These disputes can involve legal areas such as real estate, tax, family and divorce, healthcare, and more.
A mediator does not make decisions for either party involved. Rather, they assist and support each party in making their own decisions. A mediator also does not give legal advice.
Learning how to support these parties properly comes with practice, which is why part of the qualifications to join a mediator role involve experience and training courses!
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups the job outlooks for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators. They estimate that there will be a 6% job growth over the next ten years.
The average salary for a Mediator is $43,690. Top performers in this profession can earn up to $52,374.
If you have more questions about how to become a mediator, we’ve got you covered! We answer some frequently asked questions below.
No, you do not need a law degree to become a mediator. Some states may require a law degree for court-approved mediators, but it is generally not required for most mediation roles.
Yes, being a mediator can be significantly stressful. Mediators face many challenges that contribute to occupational stress and potential burnout.
The state of California has no required meditation training; aspiring mediators are highly encouraged to partake in the 40-hour training and certification course.
The training will provide you with the necessary skills and information to succeed in the field of mediation. The training will also give you an advantage over those who have little to no training when looking for job opportunities.
A mediator needs several key qualities to be effective:
These qualities enable mediators to successfully facilitate dialogue and help conflicting parties reach mutually acceptable agreements.
The key difference between a mediator and an arbitrator is that mediators help two or more parties come to an agreement, and an arbitrator has the power to make binding decisions.
A mediator negotiates and facilitates conversations and decisions between two or more parties, and an arbitrator makes the final decision after listening to the evidence.
Mediation is an exciting, unpredictable field that will keep you on your toes. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, it may be the perfect choice for you. Best of luck in your future endeavors!
Reviewed by:
Former Head of Northeastern University's Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University
