LIVERPOOL law firm Halliwells has been recognised for its ongoing contribution to the development of mediation in the UK with a prestigious award.
The firm has been acknowledged as the leading “legal firm contributing to mediation” at the 2007 ADR Group Annual Conference.
The award is a boost to Halliwells following on from the recent launch of the firm’s dedicated Mediation Unit – which includes access to an online mediation platform.
The new unit - headed by Liverpool partner and accredited mediators David Rawlinson - aims to build on Halliwellls’ well established reputation in dispute resolution.
Commenting on the launch of the unit and the award, David Rawlinson said: “As one of the longest running dispute resolution firms in the UK, the ADR Group is highly respected both nationally and international so this award carries considerable weight.
“Mediation is fast growing in popularity as an alternative to the potentially expensive litigation route. A recent Court of Appeal decision presented the very real possibility of costs penalties for organisations that refuse unreasonably to mediate - even for those that win their case when it comes to court.
“Add to this the flexibility of mediation, which can often be arranged at very short notice and offers solutions which courts and arbitrators cannot afford, and there are some powerful incentives for individuals and businesses to take up this form of dispute resolution.”
Halliwells’ on line platform offers parties the opportunity to manage the pre and post mediation administration of the mediation including submission of documents online. It will also allow the parties to keep track of the progress of their mediation, to progress the substance of the mediation and even to make or reject offers by the same means.
The online mediation platform can be viewed at www.mediation.halliwells.com