Law Society launches new panel to push use of ADR

CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL MEDIATION: 'solicitors lead the way'

The Law Society this week launched its civil and commercial mediation panel in a bid to push forward the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

The Society is still in the process of vetting applications for the new panel, which will be geared towards providing an easily identifiable first port of call for members of the public and solicitors looking for ADR experts.

It will also launch a marketing campaign and lobby on matters such as reform of mediation.

Law Society President David McIntosh said: 'This panel is a big step forward for the movement seeking increased use of mediation.

With support, mediation will be more widely recognised as a serious alternative to litigation, giving the consumer a real choice as they seek efficient and satisfactory redress.'

Miryana Nesic, chief assessor to the panel and a solicitor at national firm Hammonds Suddards Edge, said the idea was for solicitors to lead the way in ADR before other professions took over.

'There was a fear that if the Law Society didn't do something, then other professional bodies would do it for them,' she explained.

'It wants to protect the role and promote solicitors as ADR providers.'

Speaking at the launch, the Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, said the scheme took the system closer to a solution that was often quicker, cheaper and more beneficial to parties to a dispute than litigation.

'It is essential that they can find good quality, reliable mediators whom they know they can trust,' he added.

Paula Rohan