Michael Watson raises good points for courts to be more efficient and get cases on for hearing more quickly. No one could disagree with that.
However in the real world, is it not better to try to avoid the delays and uncertainties of litigation by entering into mediation in good faith?
As a mediator with 15 years’ experience, I notice there are more participants who may just be ‘ticking the boxes’ in attending mediations, but to maintain that attitude is to waste a great opportunity to reach a settlement, or at least, narrow the issues.
There is a cost in money and time in preparing for and attending a mediation. But as 75% settle on the day, and another 12% shortly thereafter, it has to be worth doing.
Alan Langleben, The Property Mediators, London EC4
