Mediation

Details of criteria for selection are attached.

The use of mediation is gaining popularity. It has many advantages. Normally undertaken in the space of days as opposed to weeks, months, or worse even years, it is a quick method of dispute resolution. Having regard to these time frames it is, as a result, also attractive in cost terms. There is no doubt that in these days when we are still peering to see the green shoots, cost and time considerations are definitive drivers in parties' minds when deciding upon dispute resolution methods. Mediation is being increasingly used in many areas of commercial life. Even if during mediation not all matters are resolved, many can be disposed of thus reducing the extent and perhaps complexity of the remaining dispute. Coupled with the cost and time benefits, the flexibility and relative informality of the process results in mediation having much to offer.

How is the Scottish Branch responding to the increasing use of mediation? The Scottish Panel of Civil and Commercial Mediators is in place and Criteria for applicants are on the website. Anyone interested should contact Kathleen Crawford (kmc@cdr.uk.com) for further advice. Applicants who have already been in touch need not respond as their applications are currently being considered.

The Scottish Branch strives for excellence in its Panel members in its continuing effort to best serve the varying needs of the market place in the various forms of ADR methods the Institute promotes and provides.

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