Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
What is an Arbitrator, Mediator, and Conciliator?
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators are professionals who facilitate conflict resolution between parties outside of traditional legal settings. They play critical roles in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes, helping individuals and organizations resolve disputes without resorting to litigation. Arbitrators provide a binding decision after hearing evidence and arguments from both sides, much like a judge in a courtroom. Mediators, on the other hand, guide parties through negotiations to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement, focusing on communication and collaboration rather than imposing decisions. Conciliators engage in a similar process but may take a more active role in proposing solutions and building trust between the disputing parties. These roles require strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as an understanding of legal frameworks and negotiation techniques, enabling them to assist in resolving disputes in various fields, including commercial, family, labor, and international relations.
Tasks
- Prepare written opinions or decisions regarding cases.
- Apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, or precedents to reach conclusions.
- Conduct hearings to obtain information or evidence relative to disposition of claims.
- Determine extent of liability according to evidence, laws, or administrative or judicial precedents.
- Rule on exceptions, motions, or admissibility of evidence.
Technology Skills
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Customer relationship management CRM software
Tools Used
- Photocopiers
- Scanners
- Special purpose telephones
- Laser fax machine
-
Notebook computers
Knowledge
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
-
Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
-
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Skills
-
Negotiation
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
-
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
-
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
-
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
-
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
-
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
-
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
-
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
-
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
Professional degree
Awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession
-
Bachelor's degree
-
Post-baccalaureate certificate
Awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master
Work Activities
-
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
-
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
-
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
-
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
-
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Detailed Work Activities
- Prepare written decisions for legal proceedings.
- Identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information.
- Make decisions in legal cases.
- Conduct hearings to investigate legal issues.
- Rule on admissibility of legal proceedings.
Work Interests
-
Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
-
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$35960.0 - $152730.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.