The posting
$147,932 - $197,200 (CL 31)*
$173,504 - $209,600 (CL 32)*
San Francisco, CA
Please submit applications by October 9, 2026
Position Overview
The Circuit Mediation Office is staffed by a Chief Circuit Mediator and six Circuit Mediators. The mediators facilitate settlement discussions among parties and their counsel in a wide range of civil cases, including civil rights, tribal, employment, intellectual property, insurance, contracts and environmental matters.
Mediators begin the process by conducting conference calls with counsel to explore settlement potential. If the parties are interested in working to resolve the dispute, the mediators help devise a settlement process that meets the distinct needs of the participants in that case. For instance, in some cases a formal mediation is conducted either in-person at a mutually agreeable location within the Ninth Circuit, or by video conference. In other cases, the settlement work may be conducted by telephone, email or a combination of these methods, and may continue for several months. Whatever settlement process is employed, the mediators facilitate negotiations, manage conflict, and promote the parties’ understanding of the legal, practical, personal and financial ramifications of litigation. Additionally, mediators assist parties with procedural matters, draft orders and educate the bar about the court’s mediation program.
The mediators are supported by the collegiality and rich experience of their fellow mediators and the dedicated support staff of the Circuit Mediation Office.
Position Qualifications
• Be able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, at the highest professional level.
• Possess superior analytical skills, including the ability to quickly synthesize complex legal and business issues as well as interpersonal dynamics.
• Possess strong emotional intelligence and empathy, including excellent listening skills.
• Be able to relate effectively to a broad array of people, including those with different temperaments, occupations and life experiences. The applicant should be comfortable managing conflict and working with parties who may be intensely emotional.
• Demonstrate the capacity to exercise excellent judgment and discretion and to work independently in a collaborative court environment.
• Demonstrate responsiveness, reliability and flexibility.
Requirements
• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law school.
• Admission to practice before the highest court of any American state, commonwealth, territory, or possession.
• At least six years of post-law school experience, ten years or more preferred, a substantial portion of which must have involved litigation or appellate work, preferably in federal courts.
• Mediation experience and formal mediation training strongly preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of civil litigation and the federal rules of civil and appellate procedure.
Total Rewards and Work-Life Balance
• Salary: Depending on qualifications and salary* $147,932 - $209,600 (CL 31- CL32)
• Time off: 13 days of paid vacation for the first three years, increasing with tenure thereafter, 13 sick days accrued per year, 11 paid holidays.
• Benefits: Employer subsidized health and life insurance plans. Dental, vision, flexible spending account, long-term care plans available. Employer sponsored pension plan and optional employer-matching plan (similar to a 401k).
• Other Perks: Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program; public transit subsidy; hybrid telework opportunities; and reasonable work hours.
How to Apply and Required Documents
Please submit a single PDF application packet through the Career Portal that includes:
1) A cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience;
2) A current resume;
3) A list of 3 references and,
4) Responses to the supplemental questions below.
Supplemental Questions
Please answer each of the following questions:
1. What is interesting to you about this position?
2. Describe your experience as a mediator, negotiator, or advocate in a mediation process and how the experience has prepared you for this position.
3. Describe a particularly satisfying mediation or negotiation.
4. How would the participants in a mediation or negotiation in which you were involved describe you? What would they say are your strengths? What might they say are your weaknesses?
Only complete applications will be considered.
Next Steps
To ensure consideration, please submit these materials by October 9, 2026.
Position open until filled.
Applicants selected for interviews must travel at their own expense and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.
Conditions of Employment
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in the process of applying for citizenship. Successful applicants are provisionally hired pending results of background investigation and fingerprinting. Positions with the U.S. Courts are at-will, excepted service appointments, and may be terminated with or without cause by the Court. Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. Direct deposit of pay required.
The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, for any reason including, but not limited to, budgetary issues. Said modifications may occur without prior written or other notice.
Equal Focused Employer
We value diversity and are committed to equity and inclusion in our workplace. The 9th Circuit encourages applications from all qualified individuals and seeks a diverse pool of applicants in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, disability, religion, and socio-economic circumstance.
