The Global Legal Post today launches the first Law Over Borders comparative guide to Mediation, providing a comprehensive analysis of mediation practices across key jurisdictions.

Edited by Jane Colston, co-practice group leader of the London litigation and dispute resolution group at Brown Rudnick, the guide features insights from leading private practice dispute resolution lawyers as well as four general counsel with a keen interest in mediation.

“Mediation has emerged as a vital tool in resolving complex disputes, offering a pragmatic framework where trained neutral mediators facilitate discussions leading to ‘win-win’ outcomes,” writes Jane Colston in her introduction. “The commercial and cost benefits are globally recognised, with legal practitioners and parties valuing the ability to reach settlements efficiently.”

The guide provides a global perspective on the development and application of mediation in the international disputes market.

Watch Jane Colston introduce the guide

Landmark developments it highlights include the UK Court of Appeal’s decision in Churchill v. Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, which affirmed the courts’ authority in England and Wales to mandate participation in alternative dispute resolution processes.

The impact of the Singapore Convention on Mediation, which came into force in 2020 and facilitates the cross-border enforcement of mediated settlement agreements also comes under the spotlight.

In addition, the guide addresses the integration of technology in mediation practices, leading to the rise of remote and hybrid mediation sessions, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, and considers the potential role of generative AI in streamlining dispute resolution processes.

Colston writes: “As we navigate an increasingly connected world, understanding the nuances of mediation across jurisdictions becomes essential. This guide aims to provide that clarity, offering insights into the evolving landscape of mediation, including the integration of technology and the potential role of generative AI in dispute resolution.”

The easy-to-use digital format of the guide allows readers to quickly assess how different jurisdictions tackle common issues by comparing contributing authors’ answers to a series of carefully framed questions.

The PDF version of the guide is available to download here, and the print version is available to pre-order here. The book will be officially launched at Luxury Law Summit London, which takes place at the British Museum on 10 June.

Contributing General Counsel
Liz Dawes, General Counsel, Ballinger & Co.
Maria Scanlan, Legal Director, Crescent Petroleum
Gaby Dosanjh-Pahil, Director of Legal, SSE
Saud A. D. S. Alqemlas, Senior Legal Counsel, Department of Legal Advice and Legislation, Government of Kuwait

Contributing Firms and Jurisdictions
KNOETZL (Austria)
Bériault, Conflict Prevention & Resolution Inc. (Canada)
Patrikios Legal (Cyprus)
DAC Beachcroft (England & Wales)
A&L Goodbody LLP (Ireland)
MDT Studio Legale (Italy)
Anderson Mori & Tomotsune (Japan)
Strategic Conflict Management (Kenya)
Grupo Alinea (Mexico)
Charles Russell Speechlys (Switzerland)
Hadef & Partners (United Arab Emirates)
VCI Legal (Vietnam)
Valerie and Partners (Zambia)

The Law Over Borders Mediation guide is the 14th in the series, which also covers topics including artificial intelligence, cryptoassets and ESG.

For further information about the guides, email associate publisher [email protected].