Why use mediation to solve disputes regarding legal cost

Why use mediation to resolve disputes regarding legal costs

By Alex Christian

There are several ways to resolve a dispute about legal costs, including:

1. Negotiation: Both parties can try to reach an agreement on the amount of legal costs through negotiation.

2. Mediation: A neutral third-party mediator can help both parties reach a resolution to the dispute.

3. Assessment by a court: If the parties cannot reach a resolution, the court can assess the legal costs and make a decision on the amount that should be paid.

4. Arbitration: An arbitrator can be appointed to hear both sides of the dispute and make a binding decision on the legal costs.

5. Complaint to a legal regulatory body: If the dispute is with a lawyer or a law firm, a complaint can be made to the relevant legal regulatory body, such as the bar council, law society, or solicitors regulatory authority.

Mediation is often considered the best way to resolve disputes about legal costs due to its many advantages. Unlike a court proceeding, mediation is a private and confidential process where both parties have the opportunity to express their concerns and negotiate a resolution. This collaborative approach is less adversarial than a court hearing and can help to preserve relationships between the parties.

Mediation is also faster and more cost-effective than going to court. Court proceedings can take several months or even years to resolve, while a mediation session can often be scheduled and completed in a matter of weeks. This means that the parties can resolve their dispute and move on with their lives more quickly. Additionally, mediation is less expensive than a court hearing, as it does not involve the costs of hiring a lawyer, preparing legal documents, or attending court appearances.

Mediation is also a flexible and adaptive process, meaning that the mediator can tailor the process to suit the specific needs and circumstances of the parties. This allows the parties to find a resolution that works for both of them, rather than having a decision imposed on them by a court.

In conclusion, mediation is the best way to resolve a dispute about legal costs due to its private, collaborative, fast, cost-effective, and flexible nature. By using mediation, the parties can resolve their dispute quickly and efficiently, without the need for a long and expensive court proceeding.