Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Mediator
What mediators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a mediator?
Review case files for today’s sessions. From there, the day usually includes meet with disputing parties, explain the mediation process, and facilitate discussions. Schedules vary; many mediators are self-employed and set their own hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a mediator working full time.
- Review case files for today’s sessions.
- Open a family mediation with ground rules.
- Meet privately with each parent in caucus.
- Help parents draft a parenting schedule.
- Run a video mediation on a contract dispute.
- Write up the memorandum of understanding.
- Return calls from attorneys.
Where mediators work
Mediators work in offices, courts, community centers and online.
Hours and schedule
Schedules vary; many mediators are self-employed and set their own hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Meet with disputing parties
- Explain the mediation process
- Facilitate discussions
- Identify interests and options
- Draft settlement agreements
- Hear evidence and decide cases (arbitrators)
- Keep records and follow ethics rules
Tools you’ll use every day
- Video conferencing
- Case management software
- Agreement templates
- Whiteboards
- Scheduling tools
- Legal research tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Help people avoid court
- Independent practice possible
- Meaningful, varied cases
- Remote sessions
What’s hard
- Emotional conflicts
- Building a practice takes time
- Irregular income if self-employed
- Small field
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I stay neutral in conflict
- I listen well
- I like problem solving
- I’m calm under tension
- I might run my own practice
- I’m interested in law
Not sure? Take the free Mediator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Screen for domestic violence
- Keep sessions safe and respectful
- Protect confidentiality
- End sessions if safety is at risk