The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit invites applications from qualified persons for the position of Circuit Mediator.

Position Overview

The Circuit Mediation Office is staffed by a Chief Circuit Mediator and seven 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 an in-person mediation is held at a mutually agreeable location within the Ninth Circuit. In other cases, all settlement work is telephonic and may continue over 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.

Qualifications

The applicant shall:

• 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. The applicant should be comfortable managing conflict and working with parties who may be intensely emotional.
• Demonstrate the capacity to exercise excellent judgment and discretion and to work independently in a collaborative court environment.
• Demonstrate responsiveness, reliability and flexibility both in substantive work and as a member of the team.

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.
• Mediation experience and formal mediation training strongly preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of civil litigation and the federal rules of civil and appellate procedure.

Total Rewards and Work-Life Balance

Salary: $119,661 - $176,900 (CL 31 – CL 32). Depending on qualifications and experience.

Time off: 13 days of paid vacation for the first three years, increasing with tenure thereafter,

13 sick days accrued per year, 10 paid holidays.

Benefits: Employer subsidized health and life insurance plans. Dental, vision, flexible spending account, and long-term care plans available. Employer sponsored pension plan and supplemental retirement contribution plans with employer match.

Other Perks: Mass transit subsidy, reasonable work hours, team environment, creative people, and enhanced vacation accrual-based tenure.

How to Apply

Please submit a single PDF application packet on or before December 4, 2019 through the Career Portal that includes: 1) a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience, 2) your current resume, 3) a list of three references, and 4) responses to the attached supplemental questionnaire. Or click this link: https://ca9-employment.breezy.hr/p/5d851633d2a7

Applicants selected for interviews must travel at their own expense and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.