Circuit Mediator

CALIFORNIA MINORITY COUNSEL Program; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Circuit Mediation Office seeks an experienced mediator to facilitate settlement discussions among parties and counsel in diverse civil matters. The role involves coordinating conference calls, developing settlement processes, and promoting understanding of legal and practical implications of litigation.

Responsibilities include drafting orders, educating the bar about mediation programs, and managing conflicts while maintaining professional discretion in a high-stakes federal court

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law school.
• Admission to practice before the highest court of any American state, commonwealth, territory, or possession.
• At least six years of post-law school experience, ten years or more preferred, with substantial litigation or appellate work, preferably in federal courts.
• Mediation experience and formal mediation training strongly preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of civil litigation and the federal rules of civil and appellate procedure.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate settlement discussions among parties and counsel across a wide range of civil matters.
• Conduct conference calls with counsel to explore settlement potential and determine next steps.
• Assist in devising settlement processes, whether in-person, by video, or by telephone, for extended periods.
• Draft orders and educate the bar about the court’s mediation program and procedures.
• Manage conflict, promote understanding of legal and practical ramifications of litigation, and work independently in a collaborative court environment.

Skills

Communication

Analytical skills

Emotional intelligence

Interpersonal skills

Judgment and discretion

Independence with collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA-approved)

Job description

Position Summary

The Circuit Mediation Office is staffed by a Chief Circuit Mediator and six Circuit Mediators. The mediators facilitate settlement discussions among parties and their counsel in a wide range of civil cases, including civil rights, tribal, employment, intellectual property, insurance, contracts and environmental matters.

Duties and Responsibilities

Mediators begin the process by conducting conference calls with counsel to explore settlement potential. If the parties are interested in working to resolve the dispute, the mediators help devise a settlement process that meets the distinct needs of the participants in that case. For instance, in some cases a formal mediation is conducted either in-person at a mutually agreeable location within the Ninth Circuit, or by video conference. In other cases, the settlement work may be conducted by telephone, email or a combination of these methods, and may continue for several months. Whatever settlement process is employed, the mediators facilitate negotiations, manage conflict, and promote the parties’ understanding of the legal, practical, personal and financial ramifications of litigation. Additionally, mediators assist parties with procedural matters, draft orders and educate the bar about the court’s mediation program.

Skills and Competencies

Position Qualifications

• • Be able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, at the highest professional level.
• • Possess superior analytical skills, including the ability to quickly synthesize complex legal and business issues as well as interpersonal dynamics.
• • Possess strong emotional intelligence and empathy, including excellent listening skills.
• • Be able to relate effectively to a broad array of people, including those with different temperaments, occupations and life experiences. The applicant should be comfortable managing conflict and working with parties who may be intensely emotional.
• • Demonstrate the capacity to exercise excellent judgment and discretion and to work independently in a collaborative court environment.
• • Demonstrate responsiveness, reliability and flexibility.

Qualifications and Prior Experience

Requirements

• • Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law school.
• • Admission to practice before the highest court of any American state, commonwealth, territory, or possession.
• • At least six years of post-law school experience, ten years or more preferred, a substantial portion of which must have involved litigation or appellate work, preferably in federal courts.
• • Mediation experience and formal mediation training strongly preferred.
• • Thorough knowledge of civil litigation and the federal rules of civil and appellate procedure.