Chief Circuit Mediator
Job details at a glance
| Agency | U.S. Courts |
|---|---|
| Department | Judicial Branch |
| Location | Washington, District of Columbia |
| Salary | $198,534–$249,900 per year |
| Grade | JS 16–17 |
| Schedule | Full-time |
| Occupation series | Attorney (0905) |
| Openings | 1 |
| Hiring paths | Open to the public |
| Posted | Oct 6, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Dec 15, 2026 |
| Telework eligible | No |
| Remote job | No |
| Security clearance | Secret |
| Relocation expenses reimbursed | No |
| Promotion potential | None |
About this job
The Chief Circuit Mediator manages the mediation programs of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia. The Chief Circuit Mediator selects, trains, advises, and coaches lawyers who serve as volunteer mediators in our three Courts.
Duties
The Chief Circuit Mediator's responsibilities include screening cases for eligibility to be referred to mediation, assigning cases to mediators, and conducting mediations. The Chief Circuit Mediator is also responsible for supervising the office's three employees, representing the office within the judiciary, and educating the bar and public about the mediation programs. Located in Washington, D.C., the Chief Circuit Mediator works with the staff and judges of the Courts to carry out the mission of the mediation programs.
Qualifications
Significant experience and expertise in mediation and other ADR processes, which can include court-annexed mediation. Comprehensive understanding of the dynamics, costs, impacts, and strategies of the litigation process. Demonstrated success in program management including continuous evaluation, planning, execution, and stakeholder engagement. Strong customer service orientation with excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Progressively responsible litigation experience in which a substantial portion involved cases in federal trial and appellate courts. A minimum of five years of experience is required to qualify for a JSP 16 or six years of experience to qualify for a JSP 17.
Education
Must have a law degree and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory, the District of Columbia, or a federal court of general jurisdiction.
Requirements
Applicants must be a United States citizen or eligible to work in the United States. The candidate selected for the position will be hired provisionally pending the results of a background investigation, a security clearance may be required. Employees of the federal courts are excepted service appointments. Excepted service appointments are "at will" and may be terminated with or without good cause by the Court. Direct deposit of pay is required.
Evaluations
Applicants will be evaluated based on their application and an interview.
How to apply
Submit by e-mail to the Circuit Executive's Office a cover letter, detailed resume, and a brief statement describing (a) a case you mediated to a settlement and (b) a case in which the mediation did not result in a settlement. Email a single PDF attachment containing all documents to VacancyChiefCircuitMediator@cadc.uscourts.gov with the job announcement number (USCA-26-13) in the subject line of the email.
Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.
Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗Required documents
Cover Letter Resume Statement See 'How to Apply' for instructions.
What to expect next
Interviews will begin on a rolling basis. Because of the large volume of applications, only those candidates who will be interviewed will be contacted. When the position is filled, a notice will be placed on the court's internet site. The first cut-off date for review of applications is October 23, 2026.
Benefits
To learn about the Judiciary's benefits, go to https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
Other information
The United States Court of Appeals is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does this Chief Circuit Mediator job pay?
The announcement lists a salary of $198,534–$249,900 per year (JS 16–17).
When is the last day to apply?
Applications close on Dec 15, 2026 — 34 days from today.
Where is this job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia with the U.S. Courts.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.
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