Arbitrator/Mediator

Your Fit

Income

$72K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

5.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Arbitrator/Mediator?

Arbitrators and Mediators are professionals who facilitate negotiation and dialogue between disputing parties to promote resolution and agreement outside of the court system. They are trained to provide an unbiased perspective and help all parties reach a mutually satisfactory resolution.

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Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Arbitrator/Mediator.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Arbitrator/Mediator earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$36K per year	$51K per year	$72K per year	$107K per year	$153K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $24K above the national average.

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What does an Arbitrator/Mediator do?

Work environment

Arbitrators and Mediators typically work in office settings, which may include law offices, government buildings, or independent mediation centers. Some may work as part of a larger legal firm or operate independently. Their work often involves meetings with disputing parties, which can occur in a variety of locations.

Quick task list

Facilitates discussions and negotiations between disputing parties.
Applies knowledge of legal and regulatory issues to guide discussions.
Prepares settlement agreements and other relevant documentation.
Maintains confidentiality and impartiality throughout the process.
Follows up with parties to ensure agreements are implemented.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Labor Relations: Specializing in disputes between employers and employees or unions.
Family Law: Focusing on divorce, child custody, and other family-related disputes.
Commercial Disputes: Handling conflicts between businesses or within a corporation.
Environmental Mediation: Specializing in disputes related to environmental issues or land use.
International Mediation: Dealing with disputes that cross national boundaries.

Description

Arbitrators and Mediators play a crucial role in the resolution of conflicts without the need for court intervention. They must be skilled in communication and negotiation, able to understand diverse perspectives, and find common ground between parties. Their goal is to guide discussions in a way that all parties feel heard and can agree upon a solution. This role requires a deep understanding of conflict dynamics, legal knowledge, and the ability to remain neutral and unbiased.

The profession demands excellent listening skills, patience, and the ability to manage and de-escalate conflict. Arbitrators and Mediators must be adept at understanding and interpreting laws and regulations, as well as understanding the emotional and practical needs of each party. They often work on a variety of cases, which requires flexibility and adaptability. This career can be both challenging and rewarding, offering the opportunity to resolve conflicts and help parties find mutually beneficial solutions.

Arbitrators and Mediators often have the satisfaction of knowing they have helped resolve disputes amicably, preserving relationships and avoiding the adversarial nature of court proceedings. Their work not only benefits the disputing parties but also contributes to the efficiency of the legal system by reducing the number of cases that require litigation.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The fulfillment of helping parties reach amicable resolutions.
Contributing to the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Engaging in a variety of challenging and interesting cases.

You might make a good Arbitrator/Mediator if you are...

A strong communicator with excellent listening skills.
Able to remain neutral and impartial in conflict situations.
Skilled in negotiation and problem-solving.
Interested in law and conflict resolution.
Patient and empathetic, with an ability to understand different perspectives.

Pros:

Opportunity to help people resolve disputes without litigation.
Intellectual challenge of understanding and applying conflict resolution techniques.
Variety in types of cases and parties involved.

Cons:

The role can be emotionally taxing due to dealing with conflicting parties.
Success often depends on the cooperation and willingness of disputing parties.
The need for continuous learning to stay updated on legal and mediation practices.

How to become an Arbitrator/Mediator

Typical education

While requirements can vary, most arbitrators and mediators have at least a bachelor's degree in law, conflict resolution, or a related field, which is typically 4 years of post-secondary education. Many professionals in this field also have a law degree or additional training in mediation and conflict resolution.

High school preparation

Courses:

Social studies or government classes to understand legal systems.
Psychology to gain insight into human behavior and conflict resolution.
Communication courses to develop effective speaking and listening skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining debate clubs or Model United Nations to practice negotiation and public speaking.
Volunteering in community mediation centers or conflict resolution programs.
Participating in peer counseling programs to develop empathy and listening skills.

Preparation after high school

Earn a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as law, psychology, or conflict resolution.
Consider obtaining a law degree or advanced training in mediation and arbitration.
Gain experience through internships or volunteer work in legal or mediation settings.
Obtain certification in mediation or arbitration from a recognized professional organization.

More resources

American Arbitration Association (AAA) - Provides resources and training for arbitrators and mediators.
Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) - Offers professional development and certification in mediation.
National Arbitration Forum - A resource for information on alternative dispute resolution.
Mediate.com - Offers articles, training resources, and directories for mediation professionals.

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