Pressure from the courts on parties in costs cases, in common with other matters, to use mediation to settle disputes – including a growing number of penalties for parties that decline mediation – lies behind today’s launch from leading costs, pricing and funding specialist Burcher Jennings [1] of a new Costs Mediation Service. The service will help parties to resolve matters with reduced delay, expense and uncertainty – and to avoid the threat of penalties from the courts for declining to mediate.
Richard Allen, Senior Costs Lawyer and accredited mediator at Burcher Jennings, who will lead the new Costs Mediation Service, said:
“With growing pressure from the courts in the shape of penalties for not mediating, our Costs Mediation Service offers a speedy, cost effective solution for costs claims. A more efficient and effective approach to resolving costs matters is a key part of the changing legal landscape. Mediation is a proven way of settling cases earlier and minimising costs and risk.”
Martyn Jennings, Chief Executive of Burcher Jennings, said:
“Thanks to the exceptional costs and mediation experience and expertise at Burcher Jennings, we are able to offer the Costs Mediation Services with the confidence that cases will be settled in less time and with costs minimised. Lawyers are certain to see more and more pressure to mediate in costs cases – firms would be well-advised to act now to build experience of mediation and reap the rewards of this approach.”