Mediation Project
King's Legal Clinic Mediation Project is a free-to-use community mediation service. The project is a collaboration between the Clinic and King's Pro Bono Society.
It offers a space where people who are in dispute with each other can come together in a neutral environment and work towards their own solution to their problem. For example:
- An argument about clearing up in a shared house
- A clash between neighbours over noise
- A dispute about parking in a residential street.
Whatever the issue, the Mediation Project offers the support of trained community mediators who will facilitate a conversation that hopefully results in an agreement which everyone can live with.
What is mediation and how does it work?
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method. It is a private and confidential procedure and is “without prejudice”. This means that nothing said or shown during the mediation can be used as evidence in any court proceedings. People who agree to community mediation do so of their own free will and the expectation is that they will attend the session in good faith.
The mediator is always a neutral third party who helps the participants to generate their own solutions. This is the key to mediation. It allows people to tell each other how they feel about the dispute, to share the impact it is having on them and to make suggestions and compromises which result in a solution. Experience shows that where the suggested solution comes from the people involved in the dispute, it is much more likely to stick than one imposed from outside by, for example, a court or tribunal.
Can the Clinic mediate on any matter?
Mediation is suitable for any kind of dispute. Increasingly, the courts expect people to have engaged with mediation before they can pursue a claim in court. In fact, many companies now include in their contracts a requirement to go to mediation instead of court where there is a dispute.
The key is that everyone involved in the dispute approaches the process openly and honestly, with a view to finding a way to their own solution.
Does mediation always work?
There is no guarantee that mediation will always be successful; especially if one of the participants does not engage with the process in good faith. However, experience shows that where an agreement is made during mediation, it is more likely to stick than if a solution is imposed by an outsider such as a judge.
How much does it cost?
The service is free, confidential and provided by qualified mediators. The mediators do not provide any advice or in any way comment on the dispute and they will not suggest any solution or course of action. Instead they help you a solution that resolves the dispute which best suits the needs of everyone involved.
How do I book a mediation appointment?
Before getting in touch to book an appointment, please ensure the following:
- Both participants are willing to mediate and have agreed to take part in a mediation session.
- You can provide the names and contact details of all participants.
If you would like to request an appointment, visit our 'Contact us' page.
Please note we are unable to offer a drop-in service.