The hlw Mediation Service

Mediation, a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution, is often the most cost-effective method of resolving disputes. With an effective mediator, even the most enduring and intractable disputes, and those involving several parties, can be resolved in a matter of hours. The process is highly confidential and is particularly appropriate where the parties wish to have a continuing commercial relationship which would be adversely affected or destroyed by the “running sore” of protracted litigation. Mediation has a high success rate (80-90%). hlw’s mediators, Barry Warne and Andrew McKenzie Smith, have between them more than 40 years of commercial litigation experience. They have taken part in mediations covering the following types of dispute:-

• Commercial contract disputes
• Construction disputes
• Co-ownership disputes
• Employment disputes including enforcement of restrictive covenants
• Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act disputes
• Sale of goods disputes

How does it work?

The parties agree on their choice of mediator and, with the help of the mediator, agree a date and venue for the mediation to take place. A mediation agreement (which we will provide free of charge) is signed and often there is a limited exchange of information and/or “position statements”. On the day of mediation, the mediator gets the parties together for a short joint meeting (even if they are not on speaking terms) to set the scene and then puts them in separate rooms; from then onwards the mediator “shuttles” between the parties rooms, conveying information, opposing points of view, and offers and counter-offers, until the matter is resolved.

At hlw, we offer mediation rooms at no cost, a free template mediation agreement, and experienced mediators. All you need to do is pick up the phone and speak to one of our mediators, Barry Warne or Andrew McKenzie Smith, whose profiles are below on 0114 276 5555.