The Circuit Mediator presides at mediations in civil appeals. The primary purpose of circuit mediation is to settle appeals and any related cases.
Duties
The Circuit Mediator is responsible for leading discussions of procedural and substantive legal issues involved in an appeal, conducting analysis of an appeal's settlement value, and probing for each party's interest in an effort to help the parties create and explore alternatives to continued litigation. This position performs sensitive and sophisticated mediation and must have exceptional legal skills and experience. The Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees prohibits otherwise engaging in the practice of law while employed by the judiciary except in certain limited situations. Responsibilities Serve as mediator and resolve cases through facilitated negotiations. Initiate, organize, and conduct conferences, in person or by telephone, to mediate the settlement of claims. Narrow issues through discussions with counsel and parties. Manage conflict between the parties. Assist parties to create and explore concerns and develop an understanding of their respective needs and interests. Review, analyze, and evaluate merits of the case, share evaluation with counsel and parties. Review court pleadings, docketing statements, briefs, mediation statements, and case law in preparation for the mediation conference or during the course of settlement negotiations. Assist counsel in drafting settlement agreements. The incumbent receives administrative support through the Chief Circuit Mediator (unit executive). Answer questions about mediation. Educate the public and bar about court mediation programs. Mediate cases referred by panel of judges or other court staff. Contribute information for the preparation of statistical reports concerning the referral and disposition of cases, as needed. Have primary responsibility for administrative management of assigned cases. May conduct special projects at the direction of the Chief Circuit Mediator. Perform other functions within the KMC as assigned.
Salary
Conditions of Employment
Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work for the federal government. All applicant information is subject to verification. The appointment is provisional and contingent upon the satisfactory completion and approval of a background check with periodic updates. It is the policy of this court that all new personnel are hired for a twelve-month initial probationary period, at the end of which time their work and progress will be evaluated. All court employees are required to adhere to a Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, copies of which are available upon request. Employees of the United States Circuit Courts are considered "At-Will" employees, and, as such, may be terminated with or without cause. The Office of Personnel Management civil service position classification standards and appeal procedures do not apply to federal court employees. The Federal Financial Reform Act requires direct deposit of federal wages for court employees.
Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited law school, and at least three years of post-graduate experience, a significant portion of which involved trial and appellate work in federal courts. Significant training and experience in mediation. Knowledge of and experience working with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. Thorough knowledge of all aspects of civil law and legal procedures. A comprehensive understanding of the dynamics, costs, impacts, and strategies of the litigation process. The ability to analyze complex legal and practical aspects of an appeal. An aptitude for collaborative problem-solving and consensus building processes. The ability to deal persuasively and tactfully with strong-willed and sophisticated counsel and parties and to develop creative and practical solutions in appeals involving a wide range of disputes and personalities. The ability to work independently without supervision, exercising judgment and discretion to maintain party confidences, control direction of negotiations, and modify the subsequent course of proceedings.
Education
Graduation from an accredited law school, and at least three years of post-graduate experience, a significant portion of which involved trial and appellate work in federal courts.
Other Information
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Eleventh Circuit encompasses the states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Appellate filings originate from decisions of federal district and bankruptcy courts and administrative agencies within the circuit. The judges of the Judicial Council and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit are assisted by employees in five support offices: The Circuit Executive's Office, the Circuit Clerk's Office, the Staff Attorney's Office, the Kinnard Mediation Center, and the Circuit Library.
Required Documents
Please refer to the "How to Apply" section.
How to Apply
A cover letter addressed to Cheryl Vessels, Assistant Circuit Executive for Human Resources, and resume detailing background, experience, and qualifications should be emailed in one single PDF attachment to human_resources@ca11.uscourts.gov. Please indicate "Circuit Mediator" in the subject line. Preference given to applications received by August 29, 2025.
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