How to organise a mediation

You want to organise a mediation but don’t know where to start? I’m assuming your client and opponent have agreed to a mediation. Well there really isn’t very much to it and if you are in any doubt just give me a call. Here is what you have to do:

Select a Mediator
Book a date
Book a venue
that’s it!

Select a Mediator

This is just like selecting a joint expert. Either party can nominate their preferred choices to the other side. If you can’t agree you could ask a mediation provider like ADR Group to appoint one (although the fee will be greater than going direct) or you could ask me to find a mediator. As always it’s best if you get a recommendation so ask your colleagues if they know of any suitable candidates. You might also want to consider whether or not you need a specialist.

Book a date

It can be a nightmare comparing everybody’s dates which is why I use whenisgood – an excellent free web application for arranging meetings. You probably want the earliest date possible but make sure you leave enough time to properly brief the Mediator and prepare your team.

Book a venue

I do most of my mediations in solicitors’ offices or barristers’ chambers. These have the great advantage to the parties of being free. It is not unknown for parties to refuse to meet on their opponent’s patch in which case you will need to hire rooms. Hotels are frequently used but most cities have office and conference suites available for short hire. You need to make sure you have:

(optionally) a room for the mediator;
one room for each party (one of the rooms should be large enough for any joint meetings);
refreshments (don’t forget to book lunch!);
(preferably) flip charts in each room;
disabled access if necessary;

Remember you could be spending a long time waiting in the room with your client, so make sure it’s comfortable and take something to do to fill any downtime.