Job Profile:
Arbitrator, Mediator and Conciliator

The Job

• Arbitrators, mediators and conciliators facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution through dialogue.
• They resolve conflicts

  Arbitrators, mediators and conciliators held about 6,260 jobs in 1999.

  outside the court system by reaching the mutual consent of all involved parties.

Skills

• Specialists involved in dispute resolution must be highly knowledgeable and experienced.
• Arbitrators, mediators and conciliators must be able to cope with conflicting points of view, function under pressure, and demonstrate discretion, integrity, fair-mindedness and a persuasive, congenial personality.
• Proficiency in researching, writing, speaking with ease and authority, analyzing and logical thinking is also necessary.

Education

• A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for

  Dispute resolution has become essential as opposing parties attempt to avoid costly litigation and strikes.

  arbitrators, mediators and conciliators.
• A strong background in law and industrial relations is also highly desirable; many people who specialize in these positions are lawyers. The educational requirements for lawyers consist of a four-year college degree, three years in law school and successful completion of a written bar examination.

Outlook

• The increasing cost of litigation related to labor-management disputes may spur a demand for labor relations workers who can help resolve these disputes out of court.

Related Careers

• Legal training is useful in many other occupations, including lawyer, journalist, patent agent, title examiner, legislative assistant and lobbyist.
• Other workers with skills and expertise in interpersonal relations include counselors, psychologists, sociologists, social workers, public relations specialists and teachers.

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Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2000-01 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor