An increase in the inclusion of ADR clauses in contracts has led to parties mediating at an earlier stage of the litigation process, according to dispute resolution provider the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR).

Such clauses indicate that in-house lawyers and parties have become more familiar with the process, the centre said. However, in its updated handbook CEDR reports a ‘significant’ number of cases where mediation is convened in haste as trial dates loom.