Businesses and organisations from around Coventry and Warwickshire were brought face to face to learn the benefits of mediation.
Wright Hassall, arranged a seminar at Warwick County Court in Northgate South Side as part of national Mediation Week, which aims to raise awareness of resolving disputes outside of courts.
Philip Harris, a partner at Wright Hassall, advised representatives from local authorities, housing associations and advice agencies on when to suggest mediation to clients in a presentation at the court.
Philip, who is an accredited member of the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution and the Association of Midland Mediators, said: “Mediation is a consensual process which is private and confidential. It has a high success rate in the UK – for instance I have dealt with 36 cases since 2000 and 35 have been successfully resolved with one awaiting a decision by the parties.
“The benefits of mediation rather than the courts include the fact that it can be a quick process resolved as soon as the parties have reached an agreement.
“Mediation also means that parties can continue trading in commercial cases because resolutions are reached that are mutually agreeable, which is often not the case in litigation.”
Mediation is used in civil cases and covers commercial and private situations, including industrial, neighbour and debt collection disputes.
It enables disputes to be discussed in a less hostile environment to the court and allows for more flexible outcomes, including donations to charity, an apology and mutually agreeable settlements.
Wright Hassall also operated a helpline during the week, which was organised by Her Majesty’s Court Service.
