Become a Mediator

Would you like to become a mediator?
The first question you need to determine is whether your jurisdiction has requirements for mediator qualifications. Generally, in Illinois, there are no licensing, registration or certification requirements for mediators. In other words, anyone could claim to be a mediator.

Most court-sponsored or court-referred programs do have some requirements, as do most private programs. For the circuit courts in Illinois with court-referred or court-sponsored programs, see www.aboutrsi.org. The First Circuit of Illinois (counties of Alexander, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union and Williamson) has a mediation program. The First Circuit has a rule setting out mediator qualifications. For more information, contact the office of the Chief Judge of the First Circuit.

The second question is whether you are competent. Mediators should be knowledgeable about mediation theory and ethics and skilled in mediation techniques. For information about training programs, go to www.mediate.com or www.acrnet.org and look for information about mediation trainings. The School of Law of Southern Illinois University offers occasional training in mediation as part of its education of law students.

The third question is how to learn about mediation theory and ethics and the laws governing mediation. We recommend Mediation: Practice and Principles by Kimberlee Kovach available from West Publishing Co., and Mediation Advocacy by John Cooley, available from the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. There are many other excellent resources, some of which are more directed to particular fields such as family mediation.