As well as representing parties at mediation, Paul Christopher is able to act as a qualified mediator across a broad range of specialist areas. He brings his extensive specialist knowledge and litigation experience to the mediation process. He has the ability to absorb information quickly so as to identify the key issues at play between the parties at the mediation stage. Paul Christopher is approachable and is able to establish a relaxed rapport with clients to put them at ease from the outset.

Mediation offers you the opportunity to conclude disputes more quickly and cheaply than by way of litigation or arbitration. It is often referred to as “assisted negotiation”.

This is because a neutral third party (the mediator) assists the parties to come to an agreement. Everything (including any agreement) prepared for or said at a mediation is confidential. It can afford the parties control of the process and allow for open dialogue before the commencement of litigation and the costs that may bring. Mediators may provide clear and coherent advice to assist the parties to form a view on the strengths and weaknesses of their case and how to achieve an acceptable outcome but they do not take sides or reach a decision themselves. By remaining neutral a mediator is able to facilitate a successful resolution to both sides which remains confidential and, until the parties reach a final agreement, without prejudice and non-binding.

Mediation is the predominant form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”).

Mediation has a high success rate. The main advantages of mediation over litigation is that there are no constraints on the ambit of the confidential discussions and the client is fully involved in the process. The whole process is also private and confidential.

In civil litigation the Irish courts now actively encourage mediation and may penalise a party in costs for an unreasonable refusal to engage in ADR. Fees are competitive and will reflect the value and complexity of the dispute.

Relevant Qualifications: Certified Mediator, QQI, Level 8, Accredited National Framework of Qualifications.