Arbitration and Mediation Expertise
Our members offer a wide range of experience in many areas, including:
- Admiralty & Maritime Disputes
- Commercial Disputes
- Contractual Disputes
- Construction Disputes
- Employment Disputes
- Energy Disputes
- Family Law Disputes
- Insurance/Reinsurance Disputes
- Intellectual Property Disputes
- Landlord and Tenant/Property Disputes
- Product Liability Disputes
- Small Claims
- Sports Disputes
- Telecommunications Disputes
There are two types of alternative dispute resolution, mediation and arbitration.
The Arbitration Process
- Both parties involved in the dispute agree to go to an arbitrator to resolve issues.
- The decision of the arbitrator is legally binding and the process is governed by law (Arbitration Act 2010).
- You can represent yourself but you may benefit from legal representation if a dispute is taken to an arbitrator.
- Some contracts will have clauses in them directing the parties to arbitration in advance of issuing proceedings.
- Can be online, hybrid or in-person
Advantages of Arbitration
Arbitration is a dispute resolution process that can have many advantages over litigation or other dispute resolution methods in appropriate cases. The arbitrator is typically chosen by the parties or nominated by an independent third-party nominating body.
Arbitrators will usually have specialist knowledge of the matter/s in dispute. The parties can decide on the location and timing of the hearing to facilitate the parties and any witnesses. The process is often less formal than court.
The arbitral award is binding, enforceable and cannot be appealed. Expediting results and cost savings, arbitral awards are private and do not become binding precedents.
The Mediation Process
- Both parties involved in the dispute agree to use a neutral third party to help solve the dispute.
- The terms of the agreement are decided between the parties with the help of the mediator.
- Generally, decisions made in mediation are not legally binding but they can be made so if both parties agree to it.
- Applies to a wide range of contexts
- Can be online, hybrid or in-person
Advantages of Mediation
Mediation is a flexible process conducted confidentially in which a third party assists the parties to a dispute in working towards a negotiated settlement of the dispute with the parties having ultimate control of the decision to settle and the terms of the settlement.
Mediation is becoming increasingly popular in Ireland. For example, since the establishment of the Commercial Court. Order 63A, Rule 6(1)(xiii) provides that the Commercial Court Judge may direct that a case be adjourned to allow for the matter to be referred to mediation.
In addition, a significant number of other courts have practice directions requiring the use of mediation.
Find a Mediator or Arbitrator
Choose a practice area or specialty below to find a mediator or arbitrator at The Bar of Ireland.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Appointment Service
The Bar of Ireland provides an Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution Appointment Service.
This scheme provides a fast and free service whereby the parties to a dispute can if they agree, ask the Chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland to appoint a Barrister to act as Arbitrator or Mediator to the dispute.
In selecting the arbitrator or mediator, the Chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland will have regard to the nature of the dispute, its value and its complexity. The Chair will make the appointment within five working days of the date of acknowledgement of the request for appointment.
A request for an appointment should include the following information:
- The name in full, description, address and other contact details of each of the parties;
- A description of the nature and circumstances of the dispute giving rise to the claim and of the basis upon which the claim is made;
- A statement of the relief sought, together with the amounts of any quantified claims and, to the extent possible, an estimate of the monetary value of any other claims;
- Any relevant agreements and, in particular, the dispute resolution clause in the agreement(s);
- All relevant particulars and any observations or proposals as to the place of the arbitration, the applicable rules of law and the language of the arbitration
Looking for Neutral Territory?
Dublin Dispute Resolution Centre
The DDRC is a purpose built centre which operates as a ‘one stop shop’ for dispute resolution from the time initial contact is made, to the conclusion of the process.
The Centre caters for arbitrations, mediations, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, as well as ancillary activities such as meetings.
Mediating Personal Injuries Disputes
By Cathy Smith SC & Aoife Farrelly BL
The use of mediation in personal injuries disputes is now well established; however, the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act, 2022 is likely to significantly impact on this process.
Mediation is a well-established and valuable tool in the resolution of myriad forms of dispute. Traditionally, personal injuries claims were not routinely included in the types of dispute where mediation played a role. However, that will change fundamentally due to the provisions of the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act, 2022 (PIRB Act). While the third and final phase of the 2022 Act has yet to be commenced, it is worthwhile to consider the impact of increased mediation on the resolution of personal injury claims.
This article will assess the role that mediation can play in the resolution of disputes involving personal injuries, and outline the role of lawyers in that process.
Listen to the Podcast on this article:
Quasi-Judicial Decision Making in a Construction Context | Key Trends
Alan Philip Brady BL provides an overview of the evolution, current state, and future trends of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods in the construction industry; and key trends in the sector.
Disputes in construction contracts often arise due to their inherent incompleteness, as unforeseeable events can lead to conflicts. These complexities are compounded by factors like multiple stakeholders, unique project requirements, fluctuating costs, and the potential for insolvency. Both globally and in Ireland, there has been a notable increase in construction-related disputes.