Mediator
Also known as: labor mediator, legal intermediary, labour mediator, family mediator, alternative dispute resolution coordinator, arbitrator
About this occupation
Mediators resolve disputes between two parties by examining the case, interviewing both parties, and advising on a solution which would be the most beneficial for them. They listen to both parties in order to facilitate communication and find a fair agreement and organise meetings. They aim at resolving disputes through dialogue and alternative solution without having to take the case to litigation and courts. Mediators ensure that the resolution is compliant with legal regulations and is also enforced.
Essential skills and knowledge
- exercise neutrality in mediation cases
- meet with clients for legal services
- apply knowledge of human behaviour
- listen to the stories of the disputants
- advise on conflict management
- facilitate official agreement
- observe confidentiality
- promote communication between parties
- interpret law
- negotiate in legal cases
- apply conflict management
- handle conflicts
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Lawyers (O*NET 23-1011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
- Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.
- Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
- Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
- Typical education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Writing, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$159,670 a year (2025), 754,500 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentExtremely important (5.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.1)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Judicial Law Clerks
- Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
- Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
- Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
- Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary
- Labor Relations Specialists
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
- Chief Executives
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.