Chief Circuit Mediator

Summary

The Chief Circuit Mediator manages the mediation programs of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia. The Chief Circuit Mediator selects, trains, advises, and coaches lawyers who serve as volunteer mediators in our three Courts.

Duties

The Chief Circuit Mediator's responsibilities include screening cases for eligibility to be referred to mediation, assigning cases to mediators, and conducting mediations. The Chief Circuit Mediator is also responsible for supervising the office's three employees, representing the office within the judiciary, and educating the bar and public about the mediation programs. Located in Washington, D.C., the Chief Circuit Mediator works with the staff and judges of the Courts to carry out the mission of the mediation programs.

Requirements

Applicants must be a United States citizen or eligible to work in the United States. The candidate selected for the position will be hired provisionally pending the results of a background investigation, a security clearance may be required. Employees of the federal courts are excepted service appointments. Excepted service appointments are "at will" and may be terminated with or without good cause by the Court. Direct deposit of pay is required.

Qualifications

Significant experience and expertise in mediation and other ADR processes, which can include court-annexed mediation. Comprehensive understanding of the dynamics, costs, impacts, and strategies of the litigation process. Demonstrated success in program management including continuous evaluation, planning, execution, and stakeholder engagement. Strong customer service orientation with excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Progressively responsible litigation experience in which a substantial portion involved cases in federal trial and appellate courts. A minimum of five years of experience is required to qualify for a JSP 16 or six years of experience to qualify for a JSP 17.

Education

Must have a law degree and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory, the District of Columbia, or a federal court of general jurisdiction.

How you will be evaluated

Applicants will be evaluated based on their application and an interview.

Benefits

To learn about the Judiciary's benefits, go to https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.

Required documents

Cover Letter Resume Statement See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

How to apply

Submit by e-mail to the Circuit Executive's Office a cover letter, detailed resume, and a brief statement describing (a) a case you mediated to a settlement and (b) a case in which the mediation did not result in a settlement. Email a single PDF attachment containing all documents to [email protected] with the job announcement number (USCA-26-13) in the subject line of the email.

Other information

The United States Court of Appeals is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

What to expect next

Interviews will begin on a rolling basis. Because of the large volume of applications, only those candidates who will be interviewed will be contacted. When the position is filled, a notice will be placed on the court's internet site. The first cut-off date for review of applications is October 23, 2026.