Circuit Mediator

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.

How to Apply

Please submit a single PDF application packet through the Career Portal that includes:

1) A cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience

2) A current resume

3) A list of 3 references

4) Responses to the supplemental questions below.

Supplemental Questions Please answer each of the following questions:

1. What is interesting to you about this position?

2. Describe your experience as a mediator, negotiator, or advocate in a mediation process and how the experience has prepared you for this position.

3. Describe a particularly satisfying mediation or negotiation.

4. How would the participants in a mediation or negotiation in which you were involved describe you? What would they say are your strengths? What might they say are your weaknesses?

Only complete applications will be considered.