Circuit Mediator

U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit • San Francisco, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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. The mediators are supported by the collegiality and rich experience of their fellow mediators and the dedicated support staff of the Circuit Mediation Office.

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.
• Thorough knowledge of civil litigation and the federal rules of civil and appellate procedure.
• 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.
• Demonstrate the capacity to exercise excellent judgment and discretion and to work independently in a collaborative court environment.
• Demonstrate responsiveness, reliability and flexibility.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in the process of applying for citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• Mediation experience and formal mediation training strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate settlement discussions among parties and their counsel in a wide range of civil cases.
• Conduct conference calls with counsel to explore settlement potential.
• Devise a settlement process that meets the distinct needs of the participants in that case.
• Conduct formal mediation in-person or by video conference.
• Conduct settlement work by telephone, email, or a combination of methods.
• Facilitate negotiations, manage conflict, and promote parties’ understanding of the legal, practical, personal and financial ramifications of litigation.
• Assist parties with procedural matters.
• Draft orders.
• Educate the bar about the court’s mediation program.

Benefits

• Employer subsidized health and life insurance plans.
• Dental, vision, flexible spending account, long-term care plans available.
• Employer sponsored pension plan and optional employer-matching plan (similar to a 401k).
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Public transit subsidy.
• Hybrid telework opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level