Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Legal and paralegal jobs do require training and certification because people who work in these fields handle sensitive matters. Depending on your goals, you could receive the training you need as little as one year. Typical degree and certification programs include:
- Job-specific Certificate
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Juris Doctor (Law Degree)
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
Legal jobs are continually growing and available, but job openings can become competitive when state and local budgets are cut. Many legal jobs are tied to local taxes, so be sure to continue your education and training to remain competitive in the job market.
Most jobs in the legal world take between one and three years for primary certification. A career as a lawyer can take up to seven years for complete certification and training – plus lawyers have to pass their state’s bar exam.
How to Become a Legal Mediator
A career in legal mediation means working with people to settle disputes outside of the courtroom. When you become a mediator you will work as a neutral party in a private meeting, using standard processes to encourage the parties to reach a resolution to their differences without further damage to their relationship.
Legal Mediation Career Education
Education requirements for a mediator career vary widely by state, so you should check local requirements before deciding on an educational program. Many begin their career in legal mediation by completing a 40-hour basic mediation training course followed by an advanced 20-hour course; others are trained as interns with an experienced mediator. Mediation classes are often sponsored by community mediation centers, independent programs, and local, state, and national organizations.
If your state requires you to hold a degree to become a mediator, consider an undergraduate program such as criminal justice that has courses in public policy, law, conflict management, and other subjects related to mediation. A two-year Master’s degree or law degree may be required; some states require mediators to be experienced attorneys and other states require licensure or certification to begin a career in mediation.
Mediator Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2010 the median annual mediator salary was $55,800. The lowest ten percent of mediator salaries was $30,560, and the top ten percent earned over $115,700 per year. Mediator salaries vary widely depending on experience, industry, and geographical area of employment. (Salary data retrieved 7/11/11)
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