Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods, Including Mediation

Ranked by Legal 500, Spears 500 and Chambers UK

We recognise that litigation or a contested trial is often not in the interests of the client or the best way to resolve a dispute.

Our team has extensive experience in all methods of alternative dispute resolution.

The most common type of alternative dispute resolution is mediation. The main benefits of mediation are that the process is overseen by an independent, third party mediator, it is confidential and can result in a resolution without the considerable expense and time involved in court proceedings.  It can also help to preserve or repair a working relationship and offer solutions that court proceedings aren’t able to (for example, including commercial terms of a forward looking business relationship) and, if successful, results in a binding and enforceable agreement.

Mediation has a fairly high success rate, whether settlement is reached on the day or in the aftermath.  If, however, a settlement is not possible through mediation, it can help to narrow the issues between the parties thereby helping to accelerate the litigation process thereafter.

Our work includes:

• Advising on the mediation process
• Arranging the mediation, including liaising with potential mediators and finalising terms
• Hosting the mediation at our office space
• Drafting documents for use at the mediation and liaising with the other side to ensure the correct documents are available to the mediator
• Attending the mediation, often including orally setting out the clients’ position at the opening plenary session
• Advising on the scope of settlement and how to document it