A popular way to resolve everything from multi-billion dollar business disputes, to everyday neighborhood arguments, is mediation.

The International Trade Council will assign an independent mediator who will assist both parties to work past the problem and provide a conclusion that is agreeable. You retain control of the agreement as it is up to you to reach the solution. The mediator will not choose for the parties but may draw up the agreed upon solution.  Throughout mediation, personal considerations will be taken into account if desired. There can even be an emphasis on building and supporting a working relationship between the feuding parties.

Mediation is much quicker and more painless than dealing with court. Mediation can be used in earlier stages of a dispute, before legal costs become overwhelming and both parties feel dug into their positions. It will always be more cost-effective to mediate rather than taking the issue to court.

Many outcomes reached via mediation would not occur in a courtroom. For example, a court may only interpret what a contract means literally, and cannot assist in renegotiating. In mediation, commercial considerations can be provided, ending up with a more amiable solution for all involved.

Unless the courts/ tribunals order you to try mediation, the process is typically voluntary. If you select to mediate and an agreement is not reached, you as still able to go to court.

These stages are usually involved in mediations:

Initiate a Mediation

• The parties file a Request to Mediate to begin the process.

Mediator Selection

• Once the parties begin the mediation process, they learn how to select an arbitrator.

Mediation Sessions

• The parties will learn what takes place at a mediation session.

Settlement

• A settlement occurs if the parties resolve their dispute.

Impasse

• Impasse occurs if the parties cannot resolve their dispute.

The Role of the Mediator

The mediator will ask the parties to:

• Send a short written statement outlining how they consider the dispute has arisen; their view of the argument and what steps have been taken in attempting to resolve the disagreement.
• Define for themselves the subject matter of the mediation.
• Determine their own objectives, which will include a maximum or minimum requirement.
• List the various facts that are helpful to their case and those likely to be raised by the other party.
• Provide the issues upon which the parties disagree.
• Each party should evaluate their own situation in respect of each issue and determine the tactics for each.
• Consider the needs of the other party. There is little point in pursuing something that the other party cannot provide.
• Contemplate their strategies for the mediation.
• The mediator facilitates agreement between the parties by suggestion, advice, persuasion, or any other means available to bring the parties together.

The mediator, who cannot enforce a solution, will refuse to begin mediation if they believe the substance of the argument is not suitable for mediation. The can deny request to continue when they think the parties will be unable to come to an agreement, or are not genuinely trying to reach a settlement.

The mediator can be removed by the parties at any time if they are displeased with the way in which they are conducting the mediation.

The mediator must endeavor to create a “will to settle”.

The International Trade Council’s Alternative Dispute Resolution System is available to our members at a substantially lower cost when compared to typical legal proceedings. Please contact us to learn more.