At this rate by Y3K every man woman and child in our country will be a certified mediator. Upon checking certification in your state, you will see mediators proliferating faster than Tribbles. Attorneys become mediators for the concentrated block of CLE credits, supplemental income, effective litigation, resume credits, and some actually yearn to mediate. Mediators beget mediators as there is prestige, money, and self-fulfillment training others in this worthy art. If you phone on a joint matter, he will call within 2 days.
Many litigators prefer retired judges.
The system keeps manufacturing retired jurists, just like mediators. It's a kick to hire judges you've appeared before. Sometimes a judge creates evaluative credibility. We already have 500 mediators in your district with no assignments. After a year without a single assignment you wonder if the wheel is jammed.