Mediation, Commercial Mediators - In Place of Strife

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Thursday, 12th November 2009
Mediator: Mark Linnell

Mediation has proved to be an effective way of resolving disputes. Its importance is highlighted by one major factor – the parties are going to decide on the outcome. They usually have just one shot at settling by mediation. So when choosing a mediator, apply the best possible resources to selecting the mediator who has the experience and skills to match the parties - and the people - involved.

This is where In Place of Strife can help. Let us mediate the mediation. Give us the chance to provide our experience and expertise in recommending the right mediator for the case.

We have been running a series of free workshops where a team of our chambers members has met dispute resolvers in law firms to discuss the processes of selection, preparation and tactics based on our experience of mediating large numbers of disputes. Why not work with our team to improve the outcomes of mediations for your clients? Let me know if you would like to arrange your own workshop.

Lawyers the best mediators?

Thursday, 14th February 2008
Mediator: Mark Jackson-Stops

I was recently asked by the mediator magazine (www.themediatormagazine.co.uk) to join the debate around the motion that “lawyers make better mediators because they engage with a wider range of issues”. I responded as follows:

“I am perfectly prepared to accept that there are some outstanding mediators who happen to be lawyers. They are outstanding only because they have managed to expand their vision beyond the narrow focus which the law gives them. They are outstanding in spite of being lawyers.

The time has come to abolish the distinction between lawyer and non lawyer mediator. There are good mediators and less good mediators, mediators who can engage with a wide range of issues and those who can't.”

For In Place of Strife, the key concern is to assist the parties to select the most suitable mediator for the case. Alongside the more mundane matters of co-ordinating dates, venue selection and booking delivery of documents and the like, we believe helping and guiding (not dictating) the choice of mediator is one of the most important things we do. And surprisingly perhaps, the cost of booking a mediator through In Place of Strife is rarely more than it would cost to book the mediator direct.

So, whether you want a top-notch mediator with a legal background, or just a top-notch mediator, I am confident we can steer the parties to the right choice.

Get to know more effective mediators

Thursday, 6th November 2008
Mediator: Mark Jackson-Stops

Tips from Top Mediators

Mark Jackson-Stops writes:

In fact this month the tip, or rather two tips, come from top mediators' senior case manager, Jane Claypole. She says:

"1 Why not ring the changes? You may like the style and good consistent results of your favourite mediator, and view him/her as a safe pair of hands, if not a magician. We can work with you to expand your selection of trusted mediators so you have even more confidence in using the most appropriate one for your case.

2 Do your sums! A low day rate, especially when quoted per party, may look attractive, but is preparation included or charged at an hourly rate? There is little consistency in the way mediations are charged for and it pays big time to get out the calculator."

For balanced advice on mediator selection at an appropriate cost, contact Jane or Joanne, Case Managers on 020 7917 9449.