Mediation & Dispute Resolution in Commercial Disputes - An Update

Introduction

The legal landscape surrounding mediation for commercial disputes has internationally been gradually subject to huge shifts. Very recent developments in the UK regarding mediation regulation have focused on increasing the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in the legal process.

Since May 2024, mediation has been made mandatory for all defended small claims under £10,000.

In April 2024, a consultation was launched in the UK to explore extending mandatory mediation beyond small claims, which could include more complex civil cases. The Court of Appeal has handed down its judgment in Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council in which it confirmed that judges have the power, in appropriate circumstances, to order parties to participate in alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

On May 3, 2023, the UK has also signed the Singapore Convention on Mediation, reinforcing its commitment to international mediation standards and enforcement of cross-border settlements.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Recent legal and regulatory shifts affecting commercial mediation in the UK (but also with reference to EU and international trends), including mandatory mediation for small claims and the broader April 2024 consultation, as well as international frameworks like the Singapore Convention on Mediation
• The cost-saving potential of mediation as an alternative to traditional litigation and understand how recent legal developments can benefit your approach to dispute resolution
• Enhance your mediation practice with step-by-step guidance on utilising mediation for commercial disputes, from initiating the process to finalising settlements, both domestically and internationally
• Practical strategies for navigating complex mediation scenarios, including hands-on solutions for overcoming common challenges faced by businesses in dispute resolution
• Gain actionable insights, whether you're a litigator seeking to expand your ADR toolkit or a business leader aiming to reduce litigation costs through effective mediation strategies

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Monday 3rd February 2025

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 1,700+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.