Clients have been asking for co-mediation for some time.
I am now doing it with two specialist co-mediators. Initially we are offering co-mediation for the entertainment/ music and the travel, hospitality and leisure industries.
Advantages
It solves problems about choice of mediator. Should you choose a lawyer or a non-lawyer? Should you choose sector specialist or a generalist? You can have both.
Less down time at the mediation. You are not sitting around waiting for the mediator so much if there are two actively involved in the process.
Two pairs of eyes and ears can be better than one. Especially in a multi-party mediation or even in a two-party mediation if large teams are present where there is lot going on.
Greater range and diversity of background and expertise.
Disadvantages
Increased cost. But two co-mediators will not cost you twice as much. Please see the Rates page for details of charges. For most cases there is a 25% uplift on the standard charge for a single mediator. That’s excellent value.
You have to prepare two sets of the mediation papers instead of one.
The mediators might not get on with each other. True, which is why I am only working with mediators that I have worked with before.
Specialist services
Music Industry with an accredited mediator and music industry professional, Nigel Barr.
Travel, hospitality and leisure sector with an accredited mediator and sector professional Joel Goldman.