Appeals Mediation Officer (JS-11)
District of Columbia Courts
District of Columbia, District of Columbia · $83k–$108k a year · Posted November 2, 2026
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About the job
Summary
The Appeals Mediation Officer works within the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. As the highest court for the District of Columbia, the Court of Appeals is authorized to review all final orders, judgments, and specified interlocutory orders. The Appeals Mediation Officer, in consultation with the Mediation Program Coordinator, assists with the execution of mediations conducted under the auspices of the appellate mediation program.
Duties
Brief Description of Duties: Executes program policies and procedures for the appellate mediation office, which may involve consultation and collaboration with judges, executives, lawyer advisory groups, the bar, and parties. Selects cases for mediation based upon consultation with the mediation program coordinator and the parties or their attorneys. Exercises judgment and discretion regarding the selection of cases based upon the facts, circumstances, and input presented. Drafts court orders regarding matters that are eligible for mediation. Provides technical and administrative support and mentoring to mediators during the mediation process. Schedules mediations and maintains the mediation calendar. Assists with filing, maintaining adequate supplies, record-keeping, and data collection while maintaining the confidentiality of mediation records. Creates reports to track and analyze the progress of cases through the mediation process. Conducts research and prepares memoranda and other written materials on issues related to alternative dispute resolution. Assists with educating the public, the bar, and other organizations about court mediation programs. Assists with developing and participating in the delivery of training for personnel as assigned. Stays abreast of national standards, rules, statutes, and case law governing the conduct of mediation.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience A bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience in a legal or court environment, including a minimum of one (1) year of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) experience. Must have 40 hours of basic mediation training from an appellate or alternative dispute resolution mediation program, or equivalent successful completion of a law school Mediation Course. Completion of such mediation training, or law school mediation course, must be demonstrated by submission of a copy of the mediation training certificate, or the law school mediation course description and law school transcripts. Preferred Education and Experience: A Juris Doctorate degree and two (2) years of experience in a legal or court environment as a trained and experienced mediator. Knowledge of a variety of mediation techniques, models, and resources is also preferred. The incumbent should be an enthusiastic and engaged professional who enjoys working with a diverse group of Court personnel and customers and lives the DC Courts' values of Accountability, Excellence, Fairness, Integrity, Respect, and Transparency.
Requirements
A background check and security investigation is required. A probationary period of one year (1) is required for all new court employees.
Education
At a minimum, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. You must upload a copy of your college transcript or degree for consideration. The transcript must show the name of the college or university, your name, degree conferral date, a list of courses with credit hours, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Foreign Education: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must upload a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript at the time of application to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
How you will be evaluated
Upon receipt of your complete application package, a review of your application will be made to ensure that you meet the basic qualification requirements. Answers submitted in the questionnaire must be supported by your resume. Your resume must reflect the relevant experience and demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications, or your application will not be considered. You may preview the assessment questionnaire by clicking here:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13106689
How to apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin the application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires and assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: 1. Click the Apply Online button. 2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. 3. Click the Submit Application button before 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Other information
This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive Federal civil service. Please note that there is a mandatory one-year probationary period for all new court employees. All required documents must be received by the vacancy announcement closing date.