Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation and Settlement Conferences
Lawyers are often stereotyped as being interested in prolonging an expensive court action, however often the opposite is true, due to the availability of alternate dispute resolution avenues such as mediation.
Lawyers know that court cases are expensive and that clients are fearful that legal costs could escalate to an intolerable level. Lawyers interested in preserving long standing relationships with their clients will often recommend alternative dispute resolution options. Mediation is one of those options.
There are various types of mediation
- Pre-litigation informed settlement, or a round table conference
- Informed settlement conference after the court proceedings have commenced without a mediator
- Court ordered mediation with a mediator
What exactly is mediation?
In essence, mediation is an informal conflict resolution process brought before an independent, neutral third party. Mediation gives the parties the opportunity to discuss their issues, clear up misunderstandings, and find areas of agreement. The mediator will guide discussions, ask questions, and help facilitate agreements. Typically, however, they will have no authority to make a binding decision unless both parties agree to give the mediator that power. This is dealt with in advance of the mediation commencing. Mediators are accredited under the National Mediator Accreditation System.
Mediations are typically conducted on a ‘without prejudice’ basis which means that whatever is said during the conference is confidential and cannot be used as evidence. It rules out the uncertainty and risk of court litigation and allows the parties to make certain compromises to achieve a commercial outcome.
When parties should consider mediation
In practical terms mediation is likely to be quicker and more cost-effective than the more formal processes of arbitration or litigation (in court). Mediation should be considered as early as possible after a dispute has arisen. It is particularly appropriate where a dispute involves complex issues and/or multiple parties.
In addition, mediation can be implemented prior to, or in conjunction with, other forms of dispute resolution such as arbitration or court proceedings.
In circumstances where privacy and confidentiality are important, mediation enables parties to preserve these rights without public disclosure. This often leads to more satisfactory outcomes for both parties.
Advantages of mediation
There are many advantages. In summary these can be described as:
1. You get to decide
The responsibility and authority for coming to an agreement remain with the people who have the conflict. The dispute is viewed as a problem to be solved. The mediator does not make the decisions, and you do not need to “take your chances” in the courtroom.
In doing this however, you need to understand your legal rights so that you can make decisions that are in your own best interests. It is very important to seek legal advice from a competent litigation lawyer so that you do not agree to an offer that is much less than you are entitled to.
2. The focus is on needs and interests
Mediation examines the underlying causes of the problem and looks at what solutions best suit your unique needs and satisfy your interests.
3. It helps to maintain a continuing relationship
Colleagues, business partners, and family members have to continue to deal with each other cooperatively. Going to court can divide people and increase hostility. Mediation looks to the future. It helps end the problem, not the relationship.
4. It deals with feelings
Each person is encouraged to tell their own story in their own way. Discussing both legal and personal issues can help you develop a new understanding of yourself and the other person. You are encouraged to see things from the other person’s perspective.
5. It has higher satisfaction
Participants in mediation report higher satisfaction rates than people who go to court. Because of their active involvement, they have a higher commitment to upholding the settlement than people who have a judge decide for them. Mediation ends in agreement about 80% of the time and has high rates of compliance.
6. It is informal
Informal settlement conferences are less intimidating than going to court. Since there are no strict rules of procedure, this flexibility allows the people involved to find the best path to agreement. Although it is normal for any dispute resolution to be taxing emotionally, mediation is a process that is much less confronting and is conducted in a much more comfortable environment than formal court proceedings.
7. It is faster than going to court
Years may pass before a case comes to trial, while a mediated agreement may be obtained in a couple of hours or in sessions over a few weeks.
8. It is lower cost than going to court
The court process is expensive and costs can exceed the benefits. It may be more important to apply that money to solving the problem, repairing damages, or paying someone back. Mediation services are available at low cost for some types of cases. If you can’t agree, other legal options are still possible. Even a partial settlement can lessen later litigation fees.
9. There is privacy
Unlike most court cases, which are matters of public record, most mediations are confidential.
Where mediation is not the solution
With mediation, a resolution is not guaranteed. There is the potential that parties may invest time and money in trying to resolve a dispute out of court and still end up having to go to court. Ultimately, it is a call that should be made in consultation with an experienced lawyer.
Fundamentally, mediation rarely produces a satisfactory resolution unless all parties to a dispute are committed to a resolution.
Navigating the court system can be a financially and emotionally costly and time-consuming process. Mediation is an alternative. It is suitable for people who are willing to communicate with the other party and attempt to better understand and settle their dispute with the help of a trained third party.
To find out more call us on (02) 9963 9800 or contact us here.