Law Degree To Mediator: A Career Transition Guide

If you're wondering how to become a mediator with a law degree, you're in luck—a law degree is not a requirement to enter the field of mediation. However, a degree in law, or a similar field, can be an asset when pursuing a career in mediation.

- Understand the role of a mediator: Mediators are neutral third parties who help resolve disputes between two or more people. They facilitate communication and negotiation to guide groups through the agreement process, without making binding decisions.

- Earn an undergraduate degree: A bachelor's degree is typically the minimum requirement to become a mediator. While there is no specific pre-mediator degree, degrees such as English, Communications, Business, or Finance can provide a solid foundation for a career in mediation.

- Consider a dispute resolution program: Dispute resolution programs can teach you valuable skills and improve your job prospects. These programs often combine classroom learning with real-world practice, giving you hands-on experience in mediation.

- Gain work experience: It's important to have several years of work experience in your chosen field before pursuing a career in mediation. This can include entry-level or advanced roles in your industry, as well as internships or volunteer opportunities.

- Improve essential soft skills: Mediators rely on a range of soft skills, such as negotiation, written communication, active listening, critical thinking, and decision-making. Focus on developing and refining these skills throughout your education and career.

- Complete mediation training: Most states require mediation training, which typically involves a 30- to 40-hour course. This training will provide you with the necessary skills and certification to practice mediation.

- Check state requirements: Each state has its own standards for practicing mediation, which may include earning a bachelor's degree, completing a specialized training course, or obtaining a certification. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the requirements in your state.

- Expand your knowledge: Consider obtaining an advanced degree, such as a Master of Legal Studies (MLS), a Juris Doctor, or a Ph.D. to enhance your career prospects and deepen your understanding of mediation.

- Pursue certification: While not required in all states, obtaining a certification, such as the one offered by the National Association of Certified Mediators (NACM), can make your resume stand out and increase your employability.

- Network and build connections: Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and network with experienced mediators and potential employers. Building a strong network can lead to mentorship opportunities and help you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

- Start working as a mediator: Once you've completed your education and training, you can begin your career as a mediator. You may choose to open your own private practice, join a dispute resolution firm, or work as an internal mediator for organizations in sectors such as government or healthcare.

Remember, while a law degree is not mandatory, it can provide a strong foundation for a career in mediation, especially when combined with relevant work experience and a deep understanding of negotiation and conflict resolution techniques.

Decide on an area of specialisation

Deciding on an area of specialisation is an important step in becoming a mediator. While "mediation" is an umbrella term for any formal intervention that helps disputants reach a settlement, there are different practice areas to focus on. Each area has its own culture, networks, and processes that aspiring mediators should be aware of.

Intellectual Property

Intellectual property mediation involves disputes related to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights. Mediators in this field need a strong understanding of intellectual property laws and may work with individuals, businesses, or organisations in various industries.

Employment Mediation

Employment mediators specialise in resolving conflicts between employers and employees. This may include disputes related to wages, working conditions, discrimination, harassment, or other employment-related issues. Employment mediators need to be familiar with employment laws and may work with businesses, unions, or government agencies.

Family and Divorce Mediation

Family and divorce mediators help families resolve disputes related to divorce, child custody, spousal support, and other family law matters. They facilitate communication and help families reach agreements that are in the best interests of all involved, especially any children.

Commercial or Business Disputes

Commercial or business mediators handle disputes between businesses or within a business, such as conflicts between shareholders, partners, or employees. They need a strong understanding of business law and may work with small businesses or large corporations.

Sports Disputes

Sports mediators specialise in resolving conflicts within the sports industry, such as disputes between athletes, coaches, teams, or sporting organisations. They may deal with issues related to contracts, performance, disciplinary matters, or other sports-related concerns.

Environmental Concerns

Environmental mediators work with individuals, businesses, or government agencies to resolve disputes related to environmental issues, such as land use, pollution, natural resource management, or renewable energy development. They need a strong understanding of environmental laws and policies.

Media and Communications

Media and communications mediators deal with disputes related to media law, defamation, privacy, or other media-related issues. They may work with journalists, media organisations, or individuals who have been affected by media coverage.

Public Policy

Public policy mediators facilitate dialogue and help resolve conflicts related to government policies and initiatives. They may work with government agencies, community groups, or other stakeholders to address issues such as healthcare, education, or social services.

When deciding on an area of specialisation, consider your interests, background, and the specific needs of your community or target market. Gaining expertise in a particular field can help establish your credibility and attract clients who value your specialised knowledge and experience.

Earn a bachelor's degree

Earning a bachelor's degree is a crucial step in becoming a mediator. Although the specific degree is not necessarily in mediation, there are several degrees that can give you transferable skills that are useful for mediators. These include:

• English or Communications: These degrees will help you refine your communication, writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Business: This degree provides a foundation in business principles and practical applications of communication theories in the workplace, preparing you for general mediation or corporate sector roles.
• Finance: This degree offers a comprehensive understanding of financial principles, risk management, and potential financial conflicts, which can be valuable for mediations in the banking industry or financial departments.

While a bachelor's degree is often sufficient, consider pursuing a master's degree or a Juris Doctor (JD) to enhance your career prospects and salary. An advanced degree can be advantageous, especially when working in high-level roles or seeking better job opportunities.

Consider a postgraduate degree

While a postgraduate degree is not mandatory to become a mediator, it can help equip you with valuable skills and knowledge in mediation. A master's degree in a relevant field can demonstrate a deeper understanding of laws and policies, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.

Some degree options to consider include:

• Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
• Juris Doctor (JD)
• Master's in Dispute Resolution
• Master's in Taxation
• Master's in Compliance
• Master of Laws (LL.M.)
• Master of Studies in Law

These programs can provide a strong foundation in mediation and dispute resolution, enhancing your resume and making you a more competitive candidate for mediator positions.

Additionally, some states may require a law degree for court-approved mediators, so a postgraduate degree can also help meet specific certification requirements.

When deciding whether to pursue a postgraduate degree, it is essential to consider your career goals, the specific requirements of your state or region, and the potential benefits of advanced education in the field of mediation.

Complete mediation training and get certified

While a postgraduate degree is not always mandatory to become a mediator, it may help equip you with the skills and knowledge in mediation. Some states require a comprehensive mediator training course to develop the skills and abilities to practice formal mediation. Although most states do not have requirements for private mediators, the majority of states do have requirements for mediators who wish to be "court-certified".

The first step in becoming a mediator is to decide on a specialty. Mediators can specialize in conflict management for specific industries that need to know how to negotiate successfully. As a mediator, you can focus on areas such as amateur or professional sports, environmental concerns, intellectual property, media and communications, or public policy.

The next step is to complete a relevant undergraduate degree. Many mediator positions require a bachelor's degree. When deciding which undergraduate degree to pursue, consider your intended area of specialty. Some of the most common bachelor's degrees mediators pursue include business, finance, or communications.

After completing your undergraduate degree, it is recommended to gain relevant work experience in your specialty. Most mediators have several years of experience working in various roles in their professional field. If you are just beginning a career as a mediator, select an entry-level role in your industry and then advance through a series of positions to gain more work experience and leadership responsibilities.

Once you have gained work experience, it is important to improve your essential soft skills. Mediators need to have excellent negotiation, written communication, active listening, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.

Now, you are ready to complete mediation training. Aspiring mediators typically train with an experienced professional in their field for up to a year before pursuing independent work. During this training period, you can expect to learn the mediation process, assist with cases, and understand how to resolve disputes successfully. Depending on your field of expertise and your location, you might have access to a variety of training options. Associations like the National Conflict Resolution Center and the Mediation Training Institute offer private training programs. You can also pursue a private program with an independent mediator or a general program with a community organization.

After completing your mediation training, you may want to obtain a certification. The federal government, states, municipalities, organizations, and corporations have different requirements for mediators. Some require professional or state certification, while others require state licensing. Requirements for certification or licensing might include completing an approved mediation training program and accumulating mediation experience.

Finally, you can expand your knowledge by obtaining more training or certification to enhance your mediation skills. Options may include earning an advanced degree, completing training programs, or attending professional events.

Start your own practice or join a firm

Once you have the skills and confidence to formally mediate disputes, you can start your own private practice or join a dispute resolution center (DRC) or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) firm in your area.

Starting your own practice

Starting your own mediation business will require relentless marketing to build a thriving practice. You will need to market your services to a variety of sources, including courts, law firms, schools, human resources departments, and social service agencies. When approaching disputing parties, you may want to offer a no-obligation consultation and avoid using the word "mediation", instead, describing it as a clearing-the-air session, a team-building day, or a planning session.

Joining a firm

If you'd rather join an existing practice, you can look into a position at a dispute resolution firm. Companies often hire these firms to handle internal conflicts.

You could also consider joining a neighbouring justice centre or a dispute resolution centre, which are usually funded by local governments or charities. These organisations specialise in providing volunteer or low-cost mediation work and are often used as an alternative to small claims courts.

For-profit providers of ADR services typically require neutrals to bring in their own clients and generate minimum yearly billings. They may be difficult to join unless you are a retired judge or a partner in an established law firm with an existing source of clients.

Frequently asked questions