Scotland

Developing the Field, Future of mediation, Growth of the Field (Challenges, New Sectors, etc.), India, mediation as a career, Scotland, Uncategorized

(University of Strathclyde)/ /Leave a comment

Lots of talk about ADR competitions on this blog, so I’ll throw my hat in the ring. Last month I took a team of students to the INADR International Law Student Mediation Tournament in Chicago (http://www.inadr.org/tournaments/law-school-tournament). This was the 13th competition and it was truly international, with 52 teams representing 17 US institutions and 22…

ADR, Developing the Field, Dispute Resolution, EU Directive on Mediation, EU Mediation Directive, Europe, Future of mediation, Growth of the Field (Challenges, New Sectors, etc.), Lawyers, Legal Practice, Mediation Lawyering, Regulation, Scotland, Uncategorized

(University of Strathclyde)/ /1 Comment

I have written before in this blog about Scotland’s slow pace of change (http://kluwermediationblog.com/2012/05/12/mediation-in-scotland-some-practical-questions-and-a-nudge-in-the-right-direction/). A naturally cautious nation, our ‘old world’ response to new ideas has generally been ‘what’s wrong with the old ones?’ I was comforted by Constantin-Adi Gavrila’s recent post on this blog which underlined that Scotland is not the only European nation…

Conflict, Developing the Field, Dispute Resolution, Future of mediation, Growth of the Field (Challenges, New Sectors, etc.), mediation as a career, Mediation Practice, Mediation Schemes (In Courts, etc.), Mentoring, Scotland, Skills, Training, Uncategorized

(University of Strathclyde)/ /2 Comments

Another new mediation venture in Scotland: last week saw the launch of University of Strathclyde Mediation Clinic (http://www.strath.ac.uk/humanities/lawschool/mediationclinic/ ). While by no means a new idea, it’s the first in this jurisdiction. The response took us by surprise. We were graced with the presence of the University’s Principal, a judge, lawyers, sponsors, advice agencies, academics…

ADR, Appointment of Mediators, Commercial Mediation, Cross-cultural, Developing the Field, Dispute Resolution, Governments/Public Sector, Mediation Agreement, Mediation Outcomes, Scotland, Settlement Agreements, Stories, Success in mediation, Uncategorized

(University of Strathclyde)/ /3 Comments

Edinburgh is one of the world’s top tourist attractions. To quote its own website “Edinburgh is an multi-award-winning, world-class tourist destination. A must-see cultural capital. From stunning skylines to sandy beaches, festivals to fireworks – the city has something for everyone, day and night.” So, it can hardly have been good for business when, during…

Apologies, Clients, Creativity, Developing the Field, Growth of the Field (Challenges, New Sectors, etc.), Lawyers, mediation models, Mediation Practice, Mediation Schemes (In Courts, etc.), National Mediation Laws, Regulation, Scotland, Uncategorized

(University of Strathclyde)/ /1 Comment

Mediation is often portrayed as a useful vehicle for disputes between equals, where parties can be expected to speak for themselves and neither has significant power over the other. Critics, and even supporters, become more sceptical when it comes to less symmetrical situations. Complaints against professionals are one such category. The professional is seen to…

Conflict, Court Procedure and Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Growth of the Field (Challenges, New Sectors, etc.), Mediation Reforms (Legislation, etc.), Practical Challenges for Mediators, Scotland

(University of Strathclyde)/ /3 Comments

This week in Glasgow, Strathclyde University hosted the first seminar in a series entitled ‘Reframing Resolution – Managing Individual Workplace Conflict’. The six seminars will take place across the UK over the next 12 months and the opener was ambitiously called ‘Understanding Individual Employment Disputes.’ The day contained elements that were encouraging and others that…

Bias, Causes of Conflict, Clients, Communication, Conflict, Ireland, Mediation Practice, Mediation Users/Clients, Social intelligence, Uncategorized

(University of Strathclyde)/ /2 Comments

This week the 5th World Summit on Elder Mediation is taking place in Glasgow: see http://www.eldermediation.ca/styled-2/index.html. It is an inspiring gathering, bringing together mediators from Canada, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, England and Scotland, all committed to helping older people deal with conflict in a way that is humane and just. The range of issues is daunting…

Conflict, Developing the Field, General, Humorous Pieces, Mediation Practice, Practical Challenges for Mediators, Success in mediation, Training

(University of Strathclyde)/ /2 Comments

I was recently given an extraordinary birthday present: a day at the Nick Nairn Cook School (www.nicknairncookschool.com). Nick Nairn is one of Scotland’s most famous celebrity chefs, known for his respect for traditional Scottish fare, and as something of a foody I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday. I wasn’t disappointed….

ADR, Business, Commercial Mediation, Developing the Field, Efficiency, Growth of the Field (Challenges, New Sectors, etc.), Lawyers, Mediation Outcomes, Mediation Practice

(University of Strathclyde)/ /1 Comment

It is not uncommon to hear lawyers speak warmly of mediation in general, but when asked if they would recommend it for a particular case respond that they could not see it working. Related to this, lawyers who have developed well-honed negotiation skills may struggle to see how a mediator could improve on their outcomes….

Commercial Mediation, Developing the Field, Dispute Resolution, Growth of the Field (Challenges, New Sectors, etc.), Lawyers, Legal Practice, Mediation Practice, Training, Uncategorized

(University of Strathclyde)/ /1 Comment

I was pleased to read that this year’s ICC Competition went so well. Having hosted the UK Law Student Mediation Competition in Glasgow in November I was first-hand witness to the wholehearted, thoughtful way young mediators throw themselves into this work. They appear unaffected by the scepticism of older lawyers. All of this is very…