Dispute resolution service launched to help avoid stressful and expensive court hearings
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
A new mediation company has been launched to help people and businesses save money by resolving complex legal disputes before the expense of going to court.
Westwood Mediation, based in Beverley, will seek to resolve disputes amicably and efficiently by promoting open communication between the parties involved.
The business has been founded by a handful of experienced legal experts, with barrister Stuart Jamieson joined on the board of directors by solicitor advocate Seamus Kelly and experienced costs draftsmen Lee Carter and Jon-Paul Burnett, founders and owners of Carter Burnett Costs Consultants.
Former journalist Mark Fewings, who has ten years’ experience running his own content marketing consultancy, also joins the board as head of communications.
Westwood Mediation is building a panel of fully trained mediators that are registered with the Civil Mediation Council or accredited by the London School of Mediation.
The company will initially focus on civil and commercial mediations, including property and land disputes, family business issues, contentious probate, personal injury and costs disputes.
Mr Jamieson, who specialises in complex clinical negligence and personal injury disputes, said: “As professional mediators, it is not our role to impose solutions on either party. We facilitate open discussions by providing a neutral environment for parties to engage fairly and confidentially, empowering them to resolve their disputes.
TEAM: Mark Fewings and, above from left, Stuart Jamieson, Seamus Kelly, Lee Carter and Jon-Paul Burnett
“We believe this approach benefits businesses and individuals by promoting collaborative problem-solving, which can lead to more satisfactory outcomes for all parties. It can save time and resources compared to traditional litigation, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations.
“Mediation can benefit all involved by enabling a quicker outcome which everyone is happy with.”
Westwood Mediation’s launch follows a recent ruling by King’s Bench Master Victoria McCloud, in her final decision before retiring, which has been hailed by the Association of Costs Lawyers (ACL) as a landmark that could signal the start of a new era for alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
The ruling requires former Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke and Times Newspapers to engage in ADR before their dispute over costs can proceed to court. Failure to comply may result in sanctions.
“Our goal is to create a supportive environment where disputing parties can discuss their issues openly and find common ground without having to incur the expense of going to court,” said chief operating officer Mr Carter.
“The McCloud ruling could set a precedent for using ADR in costs disputes, which are often suited to mediation, but there are many more cases and situations which could benefit from mediation.
“We hope that the McCloud decision, aligned with recent court rulings that encourage early settlements, can promote the benefits of mediation and help to alleviate pressure on the current court system.”
