How Do You Become A Professional Mediator?
Professional mediators serve as neutral third parties to help litigants and their attorneys resolve disputes outside of court. Mediators may help guide the discussion, bring up issues that the parties have overlooked and prepare settlement agreements. They must be ethical, fair, diplomatic and have an in-depth understanding of the law. They should also have strong writing skills and be able to analyze complex situations quickly and accurately. According to PayScale.com, mediators earn an average yearly salary ranging from $50,159 to $88,469 per year. Step 1 Obtain your state’s minimum educational requirements. Each jurisdiction establishes its own rules for who may become a professional mediator. In some states, you must be a licensed attorney. In other jurisdictions, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient. You can verify your state’s educational requirements with your local bar association (see Resources section). Step 2 Take specialized mediation training through a law school or private p