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Court Mediator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mediator

Deland, FL ยท On-site

$52K/yr

The mediation function is part of the Family Court Services division of Court Administration. This position is responsible for providing mediation and related services to parties in Family Law ...

Mediator

Napa, CA ยท On-site

$58K - $69K/yr

Educates the parties about the court system, scope of mediation services, and when appropriate, the impacts of divorce, separation, and other conflicts on children and other human development issues ...

Researching and analyzing the law on complex issues and writing a brief for submission to a supervising attorney, or for submission to a 3rd party like client, court, mediator, or arbitrator as ...

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Showing results 1-20

Court Mediator information

See salary details

$43.5K

$98.3K

$235K

How much do court mediator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for court mediator in the United States is $98,344.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $107,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Court Mediators, and how can they be effectively managed?

Court Mediators often encounter challenges such as managing highly emotional parties, navigating complex legal or interpersonal disputes, and ensuring all voices are heard fairly. Successfully addressing these issues requires strong communication skills, the ability to remain neutral, and a deep understanding of conflict resolution techniques. Mediators often collaborate with attorneys, judges, and other court personnel, making teamwork and adaptability essential for overcoming obstacles and facilitating productive discussions.

What are court mediators and what do they do?

Court mediators are neutral third parties who help disputing parties resolve their conflicts outside of a traditional courtroom trial. They facilitate communication, encourage compromise, and assist in finding mutually acceptable solutions. Court mediators do not make binding decisions; instead, they guide discussions and help both sides reach a voluntary agreement. Their work is often used in family, civil, and small claims courts to save time and reduce legal costs for everyone involved.

How can I become a court mediator?

To become a court mediator, you typically need a bachelor's degree and relevant experience in law, conflict resolution, or a related field. Many jurisdictions require mediators to complete specialized training and obtain certification or licensing, which may involve passing an exam and adhering to ongoing education requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Court Mediator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Court Mediator, you need a strong understanding of conflict resolution, negotiation techniques, and legal procedures, often backed by a bachelor's degree and specialized mediation training or certification. Familiarity with case management systems and documentation tools is typically required to track and report mediation outcomes. Outstanding communication, impartiality, and active listening are essential soft skills for facilitating productive dialogue between disputing parties. These skills and qualifications are vital to effectively resolving conflicts, ensuring fairness, and supporting efficient court processes.

What are the 4 types of mediators?

In the context of a court mediator, the four main types are facilitative, evaluative, transformative, and hybrid mediators. Facilitative mediators focus on guiding parties to reach their own agreement, evaluative mediators provide assessments and suggestions, transformative mediators aim to improve communication and understanding, and hybrid mediators combine elements of these approaches. Each type requires different skills and approaches depending on the case and parties involved.

What kind of mediators make the most money?

Experienced court mediators, especially those with specialized training in complex or high-stakes cases, tend to earn higher salaries. Mediators working in private practice or in jurisdictions with higher case volumes and fees also generally make more money, particularly if they develop a strong reputation and niche expertise.

What is the difference between Court Mediator vs Arbitrator?

AspectCourt MediatorArbitrator
CredentialsOften requires mediation training or certificationRequires arbitration certification or legal background
Work EnvironmentCourts, mediation centers, legal settingsArbitration hearings, legal or corporate settings
Industry UsageLegal, dispute resolutionLegal, commercial, contractual disputes

While both Court Mediators and Arbitrators facilitate dispute resolution, Court Mediators primarily assist parties in reaching agreements within the court system through mediation. Arbitrators, on the other hand, conduct hearings and make binding decisions. Both roles require specialized training and are used in legal and dispute resolution contexts, but their functions and processes differ significantly.

What qualifications do I need to be a mediator?

To become a court mediator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, relevant experience in law, conflict resolution, or social services, and often must complete mediator training or certification programs. Some jurisdictions require passing a certification exam and maintaining ongoing education to stay certified.
More about Court Mediator jobs
What cities are hiring for Court Mediator jobs? Cities with the most Court Mediator job openings:
What states have the most Court Mediator jobs? States with the most job openings for Court Mediator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Court Mediator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,344 per year, or $47.3 per hour.
Family Court Mediator (Bilingual Chinese/English, 0655)

Family Court Mediator (Bilingual Chinese/English, 0655)

Superior Court of California - County of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$4.2K - $5.1K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Salary: $4,203.12 - $5,108.09 Biweekly
Location : 400 McAllister Street, Room 205, San Francisco, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2026-00020
Department: Unified Family Court Services Program
Opening Date: 04/24/2026
Description
FAMILY COURT MEDIATOR
(Class Code 0655)
Bilingual Chinese / English
The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (the Court), invites applications from qualified individuals interested in the Family Court Mediator position to conduct mediations in Family Law and Juvenile matters; investigate factual issues related to child custody and visitation disputes; prepare written reports; and perform other job-related duties as required. Many of the families seen are monolingual speakers of Chinese or Mandarin. Chinese speaking in addition to English is required (Mandarin preferred).
This selection process is being conducted in accordance with San Francisco Superior Court Personnel Rule 4. An eligibility list will not be established.
FINAL FILING DATE: Open until filled.
COMPENSATION: $4,203.12 to $5,108.09 biweekly ($109,281 to $132,810 annually)*
*Plus, bilingual premium of $100 to $150 as paid biweekly.
The Court offers a generous benefits package including a variety of health and dental insurance plans, life insurance, a contributory retirement plan, a deferred compensation savings program, paid vacation, sick leave, floating holidays, and holiday pay.
Examples of Duties
POSITION OVERVIEW
  • Mediates a variety of juvenile, child custody, and visitation disputes, which includes conducting mediation sessions in English and Chinese and writing stipulations or dispositions indicating the outcome of mediated cases.

  • Conducts fact finding investigations related to parenting plans and writes reports for the court on the facts gathered.

  • Coordinates referrals to private evaluators.

  • Prepares and organizes data.

  • Conducts group/parent orientations which include information about court procedures pertaining to child custody, the mediation process, and child development issues related to making parenting plans and the impact of domestic violence on children.

  • Makes referrals to community resources.

  • Consults with other Court staff, supervisors, judicial staff, and community resource personnel regarding case issues and problems.

  • Answers a variety of questions from parents, attorneys, Court staff, and the general public regarding the mediation process.

  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Work is performed in an office and courtroom environment; continuous contact with other staff and the public.
Physical Requirements: Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Chinese speaking in addition to English is required (Mandarin preferred).
Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
  • Education equivalent to a Master of Arts Degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, social work, marriage, family and child counseling or other behavioral science substantially related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships, and

  • Substantial experience in mediation and custody investigations, family counseling, child protective services, or family conciliation.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
  • Verbal and written skills in Mandarin/Cantonese in addition to English.

  • Possession of a California license in clinical social work, marriage, and family therapy, or psychology or eligible for licensure.

Knowledge of:
  • Principles, practices and theories of adult and child psychology.
  • Functions and operations of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco.
  • Laws, rules, regulations, policies, and legislation related to Court operations and functions, particularly those related to family law, probate, and court mediation.
  • Principles, techniques, and practices of crisis intervention and court mediation.
  • Investigation methods and counseling techniques.
  • Legal terminology, legal documents, and court procedures.
  • Principles of effective public and community relations.
  • Conflict resolution techniques.
  • Available community resources.

Ability to:
  • Interpret, explain, and apply a variety of codes, statutes, policies, rules, procedures, instructions, and regulations related to mediation and Family Court functions.
  • Negotiate mediation agreements.
  • Analyze complex problems and evaluate alternatives.
  • Prepare clear, concise, and accurate records and reports.
  • Conduct mediation investigations and hearings, maintaining composure and neutrality when working with upset and hostile clients.
  • Testify in court.
  • Maintain confidential information when required by legal or ethical standards.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationship with individuals from varying socioeconomic backgrounds, often under difficult and stressful circumstances.

Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY
Interested individuals must apply online and include a valid email address where the applicant can receive future correspondence regarding the position. To be considered for the position, applicants must submit ALL the following items:
  • San Francisco Superior Court online employment application (fully completed).
  • Resume.
  • One-page cover letter explaining why the applicant is interested in the position and describing the relative experience and education applicable to this position.

The online application, resume, and cover letter are very important to the selection process. It is recommended that applicants review the information in this announcement and on the application very carefully. Once the application has been submitted, it cannot be corrected, changed or resubmitted.
SELECTION PROCESS
Initial Screening
Complete application packages will be evaluated to determine if applicants meet the minimum qualifications. The Court will further evaluate these documents and may interview only those applicants it deems may best meet the needs of the Court. Not all applicants will receive an interview.
Oral Interview
If necessary, selected applicants may be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, abilities, and skill levels in job-related areas.
Qualified applicants with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation to participate in the selection process should complete the relevant section of the employment application.
OTHER APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Employment is subject to security clearance. Any false statement or omission of material fact may cause forfeiture of employment. Information presented on employment applications, resumes, and attachments, and during the selection process is subject to verification. Employees are prohibited from engaging in activities which conflict with the interests of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco.
Immigration laws require that all employees hired after November 6, 1986, must provide proof of work eligibility. At the time of appointment to a position, all applicants must possess a valid Social Security number and will be required to present original documents which verify citizenship or legal alien status as well as identity (such as a social security card and driver's license, or a green card and a driver's license, or a valid U.S. passport).
THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO, IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. APPLICANTS SHALL NOT BE FAVORED OR DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, GENDER, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, CITIZENSHIP, AGE, MARITAL STATUS, PHYSICAL DISABILITY, MENTAL DISABILITY, MEDICAL CONDITION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENETIC INFORMATION, UNION ACTIVITY, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.
For questions on the above information, contact the Human Resources Office of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, (415) 551-0381.
01
How many years of experience do you have in mediation and custody investigations, family counseling, child protective services, or family conciliation? (Please answer in decimal format, #.##)
02
As instructed, I have attached my resume.
  • Yes
  • No

03
As instructed, I have attached my one-page cover letter explaining why I am interested in the position, and briefly describing my experience and education applicable to the position.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question