Mediation is a voluntary, confidential and cost-effective way to resolve disputes without going to court. It brings together the people or organisations involved in a disagreement, with the help of an independent and impartial mediator, to explore solutions and reach a mutually acceptable outcome. The process is flexible and tailored to the needs of those involved.
Our mediation practice areas
Mediation is commonly used in a wide range of civil and commercial disputes, including:
- Business or commercial contract disagreement
- Property and landlord/tenant issues
- Disputes arising from building or construction projects
- Professional negligence and liability disputes
- Partnership and shareholder disagreements
- Consumer and customer disputes
- Claims involving individuals, small businesses, or larger companies
Key features of mediation
- Voluntary: Mediation only takes place if all parties agree to participate. You remain in control of the outcome throughout the process.
- Confidential: Discussions in mediation are private. Nothing said in mediation can be used in court if the process doesn’t result in a settlement.
- Impartial: The mediator does not take sides, give legal advice, or make decisions. Their role is to facilitate open, constructive dialogue.
- Efficient: Most mediations are completed in a day, and many disputes are resolved quickly compared to lengthy and costly litigation.
- Cost-Effective: Mediation can significantly reduce legal and court costs. It often avoids the financial and emotional toll of court proceedings.
- Flexible and Informal: The process is less formal than a court hearing and can be arranged at a time and place convenient for all involved (including online).
Mediation vs court proceedings
Unlike court proceedings, which are typically formal and adversarial, mediation provides a forum for constructive problem-solving. The goal is not to decide who is right or wrong, but to find a practical way forward that works for everyone involved.
Many courts now expect parties to attempt mediation before bringing a case, and a failure to do so can have cost consequences.
Mediation works
Mediation has a high success rate. Even when a full agreement is not reached on the day, the process often helps to narrow the issues and improve communication, paving the way for a resolution.