Mediator

The wave of the legal future is the mediator, especially with the rising cost of attorneys. While attorneys are paid to reach an eventual settlement, a mediator looks for ways to settle any disputes with compromise and without going to court. Because so many marriages end in bitter divorce, mediators have their ripest ground in the domestic sector. It is in this arena that they can save the parties literally thousands of dollars in litigation and get to the heart of the matter through mutual conciliation. Identifying what each party truly wants out of the deal is the most critical part of successful mediation. Are you skilled at helping people to stop hurling pointless accusations at each other and at bringing them back to the issues at hand? Can you help them to see the big picture? If so, you would make a fi ne mediator. You’re essentially being paid to help fighting folks stay out of court. It’s an admirable profession, and it’s getting to be increasingly profi table.


You’ll need a nice, comfortable office, so expect to lay out at least $3,000 for your “digs.” Next, spend some money advertising in places potential clients typically look for help (namely, the Yellow Pages). You’ll charge $75 to $300 per job (which typically includes up to three one-hour sessions) and more if the work extends beyond that timeframe.


While this is an admirable and respected profession, it’s still a personally challenging one. Can you listen all day to folks fighting over trivial and petty things (like who gets the washing machine)? If you’re able to keep them focused on the goal of an amicable settlement, you’ll do well. But do take time for yourself—you’ll need it.


Albert H. Couch, a Family, Divorce and Community Mediator for Akron Family Mediation in Akron, Ohio, says three things set his business apart from others like it.“We have a full-time commitment to mediation, and a lot of mediators don’t have that. Second, we cap our fees so that our customers know there’s a limit to what they’ll spend with us. Finally, we have experience in our field and are aggressive in promoting mediation in general. When I’m not mediating, I’m talking about mediating somewhere.”


Couch says he couldn’t do without a computer, phone and, most important, the training he’s had in his field.


“Learn mediation inside and out, that’s first and foremost.” But the second most important thing you can do, according to Couch, is to talk mediation with just about anyone who’ll listen.“This is primarily a word-of-mouth business.”


“I’d spend less money up front on advertising, since so much of my business comes from referrals. I advise others to get involved in their community and give as many speeches as you can to promote your business.”


Approx. cost of start-up:$5,000 to $10,000


Approx. potential earnings:$40,000 to $65,000


Typical fees: $75 to $300 (usually split between the disputing parties); fee typically includes up to three sessions


Where to promote: Yellow Pages, newspapers, bulletin boards, networking with legal groups, Web site with some free negotiating tips and links to related resources


Qualifications: License required in some states


Things needed:Office with comfortable furniture, phones, computer


Required staff:No


Hidden costs: Some cases are more complicated than others; try to see the writing on the wall when it comes to the bigger jobs. A skilled mediator will know how to cut to the chase and keep things moving within the timeframe for which he or she is getting paid.