A mediator is a specialist in helping others to resolve disputes. Some mediators may be legal professionals, while others may be trained negotiators working outside the court systems. However, all will have expert legal knowledge in their areas of practise.

1. How to Become
A Mediator
b y D r E d g a r P a l t z e r

2. 2
HOW TO BECOME
A MEDIATOR
BUSINESS
A donation or gift given in the after A mediator is a
specialist in helping others to resolve disputes.

3. 3
Most professional
mediators will have
relevant work experience
in the industry sector they
are mediating in, such
as work experience in a
financial institution.
Qualifications
Many mediator roles require candi-
dates to hold a relevant bachelor’s
degree. The relevance will depend
on the sector they plan to mediate
in, which can range from family and
finance to public policy, proper-
ty, healthcare, sports and more.
Common undergraduate degrees
for mediators include communica-
tions, business and finance.
Work Experience
Most professional mediators will
have relevant work experience
in the industry sector they are
mediating in, such as work experience
in a financial institution. By necessity
mediators must be experts in their field
and therefore experience is essential.
Soft Skills
Mediators will also need to demons-
trate a range of soft skills when appl-
ying for any role. These include active
listening and critical thinking skills,
good negotiating techniques, and
excellent written communication skills.
Mediators must also be strong deci-
sion-makers.

4. Mediation is a form
of alternative dispute
resolution. You can learn
more about ADR by visiting
the blog of Dr Edgar Paltzer.