As well as litigation, lawyers have access to a wide range of different dispute resolution techniques such as arbitration, adjudication, expert determination, early neutral evaluation and mediation. These techniques are often collectively referred to as “alternative dispute resolution”.
One of the most common forms of alternative dispute resolution is mediation.
Mediation is a process where the parties agree to appoint a neutral individual to help them negotiate and resolve their dispute in a way which is acceptable to all the parties.
The mediator will hold a variety of both joint and private meetings with the parties, giving them the chance to air their own views in front of the other and on a personal basis. These meetings are used to clarify the issues, challenge the parties, help them to test the strength of their cases, to find common ground between them and to discuss settlement.
Because the mediator is neutral, he may be in a much better position to help the parties focus on the real issues, assess their case realistically, work through the emotions that might be involved in the case, help the parties settle without losing face and suggest new areas in which to explore settlement.
The process is informal and flexible, adapting to the needs of each particular case.
Over 70 per cent of cases referred to mediation settle.
Lanyon Bowdler is able to offer clients expert guidance in the event they wish to instruct a mediator, or seek representation should they find themselves facing the mediation process.
Heading our Commercial Dispute Resolution Solicitors is Managing Partner Brian Evans, a fully trained mediator with many years experience working as a facilitator helping a wide range of people and organisations reach amicable agreements.
Whichever side of the mediation process you find yourself on, our team will be able to tell you all you need to know about preparing for the process and what to expect. And this legal advice won't stop once mediation is underway; if you need us, we'll be there with you every step of the way.
Give us a call or complete our online enquiry form, to see how we can help. We have offices in Telford, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Ludlow, Bromyard and Hereford so are able to act for clients all over Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales and across the Midlands.
We don't just sell time; we sell experience, expertise, know-how and results, and are able to offer a wide range of pricing options which may include Fixed Fees and Service Level Guarantees.
Lanyon Bowdler is a trading name of Lanyon Bowdler LLP which is a limited liability partnership incorporated in England and Wales, registered number OC351948.
Lanyon Bowdler is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). SRA number: 534828.
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