Hammonds hangs hopes on mediation for future prospects

Hammond Suddards Edge is hoping to attract in-house lawyers and clients by offering a mediation training service.The scheme - named Hammonds Mediation - will be run by 20 qualified mediators at the firm, spearheaded by dispute resolution partner Charles Middleton-Smith.Lawyers within the firm and their clients will be offered training ranging from general skills such as mediation advocacy, to specific tips for specialist mediations.The training will be carried out by external and internal mediators.

The firm is currently in talks with a number of external providers.Peter Crossley, Hammond's head of dispute resolution, said a sufficient budget had been allocated to the scheme for a smooth roll-out.He said the scheme would be'no one-day wonder', adding thatHammonds - which has won the last two mediation practice awards from the Centre for Dispute Resolution - has a 'proven track record' in the area.The firm is also liaising with its European offices on how best to use the scheme on the continent.

Mr Crossley said: 'Although mediation has Anglo-American origins, it is catching on in the mainland.'Jeremy Fleming