hegarty.co.uk/Disputes
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation
Mediation can occur in a dispute at the very outset before litigation is commenced and is a meeting amongst those in dispute, their representatives and a mediator to discuss settlement. The mediator’s role is to help the parties explore settlement options.
A mediation requires a relatively small amount of preparation time and can be scheduled quickly. Statistics show that the majority of business disputes and personal injury cases end in written settlement agreements.
Arbitration
Arbitration is the referral of a dispute to one or more impartial persons for a final determination. This is a private and confidential exercise which is designed for quick, practical and economic settlement.
Specific provisions can be added to the arbitration agreement to reflect the needs of the parties.
How Does Mediation Differ From Arbitration?
Arbitration is ordinarily a less formal litigation; mediation is even less formal than arbitration. A mediator (like an arbitrator) does not have the power to render a binding decision. A mediator does not hold a hearing as to evidence as does an arbitrator, but instead conducts informal, separate and joint meetings with the parties to understand the facts, issues and positions of the parties.
Arbitrators hear and receive evidence in a joint hearing on which they then provide a final and binding decision. This is known as an award.
In joint sessions with each side, a mediator will try to obtain further details of the priorities and issues for each party to explore alternatives, communicate positions and search for solutions.
Benefits of Mediation
- A business relationship may be able to continue that may be terminated via litigation.
- Generally, saving of money through reduced legal costs.
- Accommodation and special needs of the parties can be included.
- Settlement can be reached much more quickly than in litigation.
- Parties are directly engaged in the negotiation settlement.
- The mediator can view the dispute objectively and can assist the parties in considering alternatives they may not have considered.
How To Prepare For Mediation
It is useful to:
- Outline the strengths and weaknesses of your own case.
- Prepare facts and documents to support your case.
- Focus on the interests of each party.
- Identify your needs and interests in settling the dispute.
- Prioritise the issues in light of your needs.
- Determine a course of action and support a variety of possible solutions.
- Develop your strategies and tactics through discussion of issues, presentation of proposals and testing of the other party’s position.
- Finalise the issues involved within the dispute.
- Anticipate the other party’s needs, demands, strengths and weaknesses, positions and version of the facts.
Cost Of Mediation
This is based upon the mediator’s published hourly rate plus the costs of any legal representatives who attend. All expenses are generally borne equally by the parties, which may be adjusted by agreement.
