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An overloaded court system, along with the desire speedier and less expensive dispute resolutions, has created a demand for mediators that should continue well into the new millenium. In some states, mediation is not simply an option for the parties involved in a dispute-it's required. Only if a resolution can't be reached does the case go to court.

The nation's 20,000 mediators, who often have professional backgrounds as teachers, social workers, clergy, counselors and lawyers, help opponents find common ground, make compromises and settle their claims. Mediation is most often used in business, insurance, labor relations, environmental disputes, public policy, real estate and other legal issues where both sides typically have equal bargaining power. The results of mediation are final and binding.

The first step in becoming a mediator is to attend a basic mediation skills training course approved by the Academy of Family Mediators (AFM). This will help you decide if you're suited to the job. After that, many seek additional training in the field or through an apprenticeship with an experienced mediator. Currently some states and courts are offering certification for mediators, which requires a certain amount of training and expertise and, often, specifically-accepted professional backgrounds. AFM recommends you contact mediators in your area to determine whether your state or court system offers certification. Only a dozen states require mediators to be licensed and only Florida requires that mediators be attorneys.

Beyond their professional qualifications, mediators need to be calm, diplomatic, objective and creative problem-solvers whose opinions aren't easily swayed in the heat of the moment. Mediators usually market their services and perform administrative tasks from home offices outfitted with standard business equipment. Mediation sessions themselves are held in a neutral location, like the community room at your local bank or library.

Developing a full-time mediation practice can be a slow process and may take several years as you establish credibility and a system of contacts. Mediators usually build their business through referrals gained by networking with lawyers, accountants and mental health professionals. Mediators charge between $50 and $250 an hour, and can average between $40,000 and $50,000 per year. But, according to AFM, most mediators have additional sources of income, so it's difficult to assess how much comes from mediation alone. AFM recommends you talk to mediators in your area about the range of fees locally.-Pamela Rohland

For More Information

The American Arbitration Association
335 Madison Ave., Fl. 10
New York, NY 10017
(212) 716-5800
www.adr.org

Academy of Family Mediators
5 Militia Dr.
Lexington, MA 02421
(781) 674-2663
(781) 674-2690
www.igc.apc.org/afm