Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators

Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators typically perform the following tasks: • Prepare written opinions or decisions regarding cases. • Apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, or precedents to reach conclusions. • Conduct hearings to obtain information or evidence relative to disposition of claims. • Determine extent of liability according to evidence, laws, or administrative or judicial precedents. • Rule on exceptions, motions, or admissibility of evidence. • Confer with disputants to clarify issues, identify underlying concerns, and develop an understanding of their respective needs and interests. • Use mediation techniques to facilitate communication between disputants, to further parties' understanding of different perspectives, and to guide parties toward mutual agreement. • Conduct initial meetings with disputants to outline the arbitration process, settle procedural matters, such as fees, or determine details, such as witness numbers or time requirements. • Evaluate information from documents, such as claim applications, birth or death certificates, or physician or employer records. • Research laws, regulations, policies, or precedent decisions to prepare for hearings. • Issue subpoenas or administer oaths to prepare for formal hearings. • Set up appointments for parties to meet for mediation. • Recommend acceptance or rejection of compromise settlement offers. • Prepare settlement agreements for disputants to sign. • Authorize payment of valid claims. • Interview claimants, agents, or witnesses to obtain information about disputed issues. • Conduct studies of appeals procedures to ensure adherence to legal requirements or to facilitate disposition of cases. • Specialize in the negotiation and resolution of environmental conflicts involving issues such as natural resource allocation or regional development planning. • Organize or deliver public presentations about mediation to organizations, such as community agencies or schools. • Participate in court proceedings.