Appeals Mediation Officer

District of Columbia Courts•District of Columbia, DC

About The Position

The Appeals Mediation Officer works within the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and, in consultation with the Mediation Program Coordinator, helps execute mediations conducted under the appellate mediation program. The Court of Appeals reviews final orders, judgments, and specified interlocutory orders. The officer carries out program policies and procedures, assists with case selection and mediation administration, supports mediators, and maintains confidential records. The position also involves research and written work on alternative dispute resolution, public education, training, and staying current on standards and legal authorities that govern mediation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Three years of experience in a legal or court environment, including at least one year of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) experience.
Forty hours of basic mediation training from an appellate or alternative dispute resolution mediation program, or equivalent successful completion of a law school mediation course.
Provide documentation of mediation training with a certificate, or provide the law school mediation course description and law school transcripts.
Upload a copy of a college transcript or degree. The transcript must include the institution and candidate names, degree conferral date, courses and credit hours, major(s), and GPA or class ranking.
Applicants using foreign education to meet qualification requirements must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with their transcript.
Pass a background check and security investigation.
Complete a one-year probationary period as a new court employee.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctorate degree.
Two years of experience in a legal or court environment as a trained and experienced mediator.
Knowledge of a variety of mediation techniques, models, and resources.
Enthusiasm for working with a diverse group of Court personnel and customers, and alignment with DC Courts' values of Accountability, Excellence, Fairness, Integrity, Respect, and Transparency.

Responsibilities

Execute policies and procedures for the appellate mediation office, in consultation and collaboration as appropriate with judges, executives, lawyer advisory groups, the bar, and parties.
Select cases for mediation in consultation with the mediation program coordinator and the parties or their attorneys, exercising judgment based on the facts, circumstances, and input presented.
Draft court orders regarding matters eligible for mediation.
Provide technical and administrative support and mentoring to mediators during the mediation process.
Schedule mediations and maintain the mediation calendar.
Assist with filing, supplies, record-keeping, and data collection while maintaining the confidentiality of mediation records.
Create reports to track and analyze case progress through the mediation process.
Conduct research and prepare memoranda and other written materials on alternative dispute resolution issues.
Assist in educating the public, the bar, and other organizations about court mediation programs.
Assist with developing and participating in the delivery of training for personnel as assigned.
Stay current on national standards, rules, statutes, and case law governing mediation.