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Tuesday, November 17, 2009
A NEW legal consultancy has advised that more companies should opt for mediation rather than for going through the courts to settle disputes, in order to save costs and time.
CommercialMediators.ie – a new Cork-based online consultancy formed by solicitors and barristers – has been launched and has immediately advised that business disputes can be settled more quickly and cost effectively by taking the mediation route over the courts.
"It is not only clients who have become frustrated by the long delays and expense involved in court litigation procedures.
"Lawyers are equally frustrated, but some of us are doing something about it," said solicitor Bill Holohan, who is also the new entity’s secretary.
"Ireland lags behind Europe when it comes to opting for mediation over going to court but this will change. In line with European law, disputing parties in the future will have to consider mediation.
"Parties who refuse to go to mediation and end up in court could find cost orders going against them, he added.
Commercial Mediators is marketing itself as a cheaper and faster way to sort out disputes and allow people have some hope of continuing their previous working and business relationships in the future.
The new company has also estimated that mediation – as well as being faster – could cost about a tenth of the price of otherwise potentially lengthy litigation.
"Mediation is rapidly becoming recognised as the preferred method of alternative dispute resolution, particularly given the speedy results and cost savings," added Judge Con Murphy at the launch of the service.
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