Lawyers play an important role in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes like mediation. They can insist that clients pursue ADR instead of litigation to resolve issues. Lawyers are also involved in ADR from the earliest contract drafting stage by including appropriate dispute resolution clauses. The roles lawyers can play in ADR include serving as an ADR practitioner, legal representative for parties in an ADR process, or providing community legal education about ADR. Lawyers need knowledge of the particular ADR process as well as negotiation skills to help clients. Pro bono legal resources have assisted with matters like family law disputes, small business disputes, and estate disputes using ADR. Power imbalances between parties must be addressed

1. Page 1 of 13
Role For Lawyers In ADR?
Lawyersare backbone of anyjudicial system.Lawyerscannot onlyfightfortheirclientsbuttheycan
alsosuggestbetteralternativeof anyjudicial process.ADRidthe bestalternative forresolvinganyissue
but inthis,the lawyeristhe one whocan insistpeople tonotto go forjudicial processandresolve issue
by the methodprovidedinADRprocess. More generally,“CivilJustice”aimstopromote judicial
cooperationamongthe 27 EU MemberStates.Many lawyersstill favor mediationADRapproach,butit
doesnottake full advantage of whata mediatorcando. Mediatorscan enhance alawyer’sabilityto
negotiate inmanyways.A mediatorcan,for example,improvecommunicationbetweenpartiesby
conveyingmessagesorexplainingwhatanoffermeans.
Whatevertype of lawyeryouare in termsof your practice area,everyattorneyhasthe abilitytobe
involvedinthe ADRprocess.Itiseasyfor us to thinkthatADR ispurelyforthose litigatorsamongstus
and has norelevance foranyotherattorney.
The role of the attorneyinADR comesat the veryearlieststage whenpartiesare still happilydealing
witheachother,cementingaparticulardeal andat the contract stage.The contract can be a mega-
commercial transaction,aconsumer’stransactionorthe sale and purchase of real estate.Whateverthe
underlyingtransaction,ADRisan essentialtool ineverylawyer’stoolbox tobe able todraftan
agreementthatlookstothe eventualityif thishappymarriage betweenthe contracting partiesever
goessour.Therefore,the appropriate clausetoaddintothe contract can have far-reachingeffectsupon
howthe partieswill resolvetheirdifferencesshouldanydisputeseverarise.
Before consideringthe type of clausesthatcan be used,perhapswe shouldgobackto basicsand just
remindourselvesof the variousmethodsof ADRthatare available,andwhatthe attorney’s
responsibilityisinrespectof ADR.
The nature of the ADR process and the rolesand skillsof lawyers
The keyrolesthat lawyerscanplayin the ADR contextwere identifiedasADRpractitioner,legal
representative forpartiesengaginginanADRprocess,providerof communitylegal educationabout
ADR,or supporterof participantsinacollaborative law process.Whetherthe role of the thirdpartyto
the otherpartiesindispute inanADR processis facilitative (e.g.mediation),advisory(e.g.conciliation)
or determinative (e.g.arbitration) hasanimpacton the role that a lawyermightusefullyplay.For
example,some submissionssuggestedthatlegal assistance ismore importantinfacilitative ratherthan
inadvisoryor determinative processesbecause the neutralityof the facilitator’srole preventsthem
fromprovidinglegal advice toadisadvantagedparty.Otherssaw legal assistanceaspotentiallycounter-
productive toa facilitativeprocess,becauseitbroughtanundesirablylegalisticapproachtoa process
that isdesignedtobe non-adversarial andtoaddressunderlyingconflictissuesthatmaynot be legal in
nature.
Submissionsunanimouslyagreedthatitisvital thata lawyerbe clearaboutthe role he or she isplaying
inan ADR process.For example,if actingasan ADR practitionerinmediation,the lawyershouldbe

2. Page 2 of 13
impartial andthusavoidadvocatingforeitherparty.Howeverif actingasa lawyerfora disadvantaged
client,the role mightinclude explainingthe nature of the ADR process,ensuringthatthe processis
conductedfairly,advisingonthe strengthsandweaknessesof the client’scase,and‘realitytesting’any
settlementoptionsagainstthe likelyoutcome if the matterwere litigated.Submissionsrevealedthatin
practice these rolesmaynotbe so clearlydefined,withADRpractitionersinfacilitativeprocesses
sometimesprovidinganopiniononthe likelyoutcome of amatterif it were tobe litigated.2The
submissionsstressedthattoplaytheirrole inADR effectively,lawyersneedmore thanjustknowledge
of the lawand familiaritywithlegal issues.Theyneedtohave knowledge of the particulartype and
model of ADRand the skillstoenable themtouse ADRprocessestothe benefitof theirclients,for
example anunderstandingof howandwhentouse differentnegotiationstyles.
Examplesof typesof matters and areas of law where lawyers have successfullyplayedrolesto assist
clientson a pro bono basis:
The followingare suggestionsfortypesof mattersandareasof law where probonolegal resourceshave
been,andmaycontinue tobe focusedusefully,aseitherADRpractitionersoradvocatesforparties,or
both.Theyare drawnfrom the case studiesprovidedbyexistingprobonoADRschemes,andthrough
otherconsultationsandsubmissions.
 Complex civil proceedingsinvolvingself-representedlitigants
 DisputeswithinandbetweenIndigenouscommunities;
 Disputeswithinandbetweennot-for-profitorganisations;
 Small claimsmattersincourts;
 Familylaw(specificallythe Co-ordinatedFamilyDisputeResolutionPilotanddisputesaboutchildren
and property);
 Disputesbetweenorinvolvingsmallbusiness;
 Estate disputes;
 Assistingpartiestomake agreementsresultingfromADRprocessesbinding/enforceable bydrawing
up agreementsorseekingconsentorders;
 Some employmentrelateddisputes(includingdiscriminationandharassment);and
 Collaborative law practices.
Power imbalance and understandingand addressingthe issuesthat affect people experiencing
disadvantage

3. Page 3 of 13
An issue raisedinthe DiscussionPaperwashow,andtowhat extent, anypowerimbalance betweena
marginalisedordisadvantagedindividualandthe otherpartymightbe addressed.Variousmethodsand
techniqueswere suggestedforbothADRpractitionersand/orlawyersactingforaparty.
It was suggestedthateffectiveADRpractitionersandlawyerswillhave astronggeneral knowledge
aboutthe legal issuesthataffectpeople experiencingdisadvantage andthe typesandsourcesof their
disadvantage,butthatthe actual independence,professionalismandskillof the ADRpractitionermay
be the mostimportantfactorsinensuringa fairand effective ADRprocess.
Significantlyitwasalsosuggestedthatitisnot possible toequaliseotheraspectsof entrenched
disadvantage relatingtoa client’scircumstancesandthatsometimesadeterminativeprocessmaybest
serve the interests of the client.
ADR that incorporatesrelevantsupport services
Several submissionshighlightedthe positive outcomesforpeopleexperiencingdisadvantage whenADR
isdeliveredaspartof a model thatincorporatesvarioussupportservices,notjustlegal services,suchas
the CoordinatedFamilyDispute ResolutionPilot.3Itmaybe that similarlevelsof cooperationare
possible andnecessaryinotherareasof need, andthatlawyersactingprobono can contribute
effectivelywithinacoordinatedsupportmodel.
Where onlyone party can afford to pay
Most submissionsexpressedthe view thatwhere onlyone partycanaffordto pay,the ADR service
shouldbe provided free of charge tobothpartiesto avoida problematicperceptionof biasagainstthe
party whocannot affordtopay. Howevernosubmissionsdirectlychallengedthe viewthatitwouldbe
preferable tohave one partypayingthanhave no mediationatall.An optionraisedtoresolve thisissue
was to require the partythatcan affordtopay, to make a contributiontothe cost of the ADRservice
rather thandirectlypayingthe ADRpractitioner.
The role of counsel inADR,as inlitigation,istorepresentthe interestsof the clientpersuasivelyand
ethically.Inadditiontodutiesunderthe LegalProfession Act, the Law Society Rulesandthe Professional
ConductHandbook, whichapplytobothADRand litigation,alawyerwill use differentapproachesand
skillsascounsel inthe ADRsetting.
Thisis so fortwo reasons:
1) the focus of ADR ismore onthe client'sunderlyingintereststhanonthe goal of succeedingin
litigation(whichmayormay not be consistentwiththose underlyinginterests),and
2) the clientandcounsel take responsibilityfordecision-makingandresolutionof the dispute,rather
than delegatingthatresponsibilitytoathird-partydecision-maker.
1. Whatshould a lawyer do and not do inmediationto achieve a client'sobjectives?
Litigationcounsel isbothanadvocate andan officerof the court. There isa parallel inmediationsince
counsel bothadvocatesclientinterestsandhelpsadvance the mediationprocess.Certainlawyerskills
that may be extremelyeffective inlitigation,however,are counter-productive inmediation — in
particular,anythat reduce the likelihoodof consensual decision-making.The keytomediationis

4. Page 4 of 13
communicationandunderstanding.Persuasivenessandadvocacyplayan importantrole,butitisthe
clients,notthe judge,whomustbe convinced.
For example,the use of closedquestions — across-examinationordiscoverystyle — willelicitlittle real
informationaboutthe otherparticipants'needsinsettlementand,worse,maycreate anatmosphere of
angeror defensivenessthatshutsdownthe exchange of ideasorinformation,sometimesevenresulting
inbreakdownof the mediation.Effective mediationcounselwill askopenquestionsthatallow othersat
the table to provide informationaboutneedsandintereststhatwilllaterbe usefulinreachingacreative
settlement.
Likewise,attentive listeningwithoutinterruptingtendstoencourage similarbehaviouronthe otherside
and movesthe participantstowardsettlementmore quickly.Counsel inmediationneedtobe prepared
to acknowledge the interestsandpointsof view of the otherparticipants,whichdoesnotnecessarily
meanacceptingthe legal positionsorsolutionsproposedtoresolve the dispute.
Separatingunderstanding fromagreeing isauseful concept,asit can aid indevelopingaproductive
workingclimate.Atthe same time,counsel canandshouldputforwardthe client'sneedsfirmlyandina
forthrightmanner.
Anotherelementof style ishowforcefulcounsel wantstobe inmediationonbehalf of hisorher own
client.Thiswill dependprimarilyonthe client'sneedsgoingintomediation.Confidentorsettlement-
mindedclientsmaypreferthatthe lawyerbe conciliatoryfromthe outset.Thisclientmayalsotake a
more active and vocal role duringthe mediation.Anxiousortimidclients,onthe otherhand,mayneed
a lawyerwhowill take astrong stance,andmay be lesscomfortable participating,particularlyinthe
beginning.The role of counsel andclientinmediationshouldbe canvassedwiththe clientpriorto
mediation.The same commentsapplywhethercounsel are presentatthe mediationorare advising
betweensessions,andmayindeedassistindecidingwhethercounsel will be presentatmediation.
There are otherdutiesfallingonmediationcounsel,such asassistingthe clienttobe reasonable when
potentiallyproductive settlementproposalsare receivedfromotherparticipants.Thisisone waya
lawyerresponsiblyadvisesanyclientonbonafide settlementproposals,whetherinlitigationor
mediation.
However,the momentumforsettlementbyagreementisgreaterinmediationbecause itisthe goal of
the participants.If counsel doesnothave aclientseriouslyconsidersettlementatthe rightmoment,the
timingislostand settlementwill notresult.Withoutsettlement,the time andmoneyspentinmediation
will appeartobe lessthan productive.The mostlikelyresultisclientdissatisfactionandone ormore of
the participantsmayconclude thatsettlementisnotpossible inanycircumstances.
Mediationcounsel'srole inassessingsettlementmaythereforeneedtoextendfurtherthanwhenthe
trial is justaroundthe corner and the client'smotivationforsettlementmaybe solelybasedonrisksand
expensesof goingtocourt ratherthan on otherunderlyinginterests.
2. Withholdinginformation:whatdoes "full disclosure" meaninmediation?
Litigationcounsel,asofficersof the court,have a dutynot to misleadthe court.By extension,the same
dutyshouldapplytomediationnegotiations,if fornoother reasonthanthat an agreementmaybe
attackedand potentiallysetaside if there hasbeenmisrepresentation.More importantly,the goal of
mediation — anagreementthatismutuallyinterest-based— requiresdisclosure of all informationthat
isrelevanttoinformed,consensual decision-making.Settlementbasedonmisrepresentationorless
than full disclosure isunlikelytoaddressthe interestsof all participants,sinceneededinformationis
missingorevenwrong.
A more specificquestioniswhatapproachto take on productionof documentsif mediationclientshave
not beenthroughthe discoveryprocess.Some mediatorsprefertomeetonlyafterdiscoverieshave
beenheld.Unfortunately,thismayseemcontradictorytothe clientwhowishestoresolvemattersout

5. Page 5 of 13
of court inan expedientandhopefullylesscostlyway.Whattheniscounsel'sbestapproachwith
respectto disclosure of documentsandthe client'sinterestsandneeds?
Initiallycounsel shouldensurethatthe AgreementtoMediate addressesthisquestion.Many
agreementsspecifythatfull disclosure willtake place,butdonotdefine whatfull disclosure is.Are all
documentsneeded,oronlyenoughtoestablishthe necessaryinformation?Willthe clientsproduce
yearsof bankrecordsor companyreports,orwill a summarysuffice?The answeroftendependstoa
large extentonthe relationshipamongthe participants.
If the participantsare of similarlevelsof sophistication,andparticularlyif theyhave sharedfinancial
informationanddecisions throughoutthe course of theirassociation,orif there isa highlevel of trust
betweenthe participants,theymayfeelnoneedtoproduce documentsatmediation.Theymaybe
comfortable actingonthe basisof theirsharedcommonknowledge,oftensummarizedindocuments
that clientsandcounsel have preparedformediation.There mayalsobe situationsinwhich,forany
numberof reasons,the participantsdonotwishto make full disclosure,andall participantsare in
agreementaboutthis.However,counsel maywanttobe cautiousaboutadvisinginthese
circumstances,andthe AgreementtoMediate shouldsetoutthatthe participantshave agreedthatfull
disclosure neednottake place.
Particularlyif the matteriscomplex orhighlylitigious,counselmaywanttodiscussdisclosure provisions
withthe othercounsel priorto the mediation,eitherbytelephone orina preliminaryplanningmeeting.
Such a meetingcanalsodeal effectivelywithanyotherprocess-relatedmattersthatmayenable the
mediationtoproceedmore smoothlyandefficiently.Mediationcounsel maywanttobe proactive in
arrangingsuch a meeting,particularlyif there isasuggestionfromthe mediatorthataninitial meeting
wouldbe useful.
3. Whatis the counsel'sdutytoward an unrepresentedparticipantat mediation?
Presumablythe dutyissimilartothatof counsel towardanunrepresentedpartyatlitigation:thatis,not
to take advantage of that party inany way.Similartothe judge incourt, the mediatorwill presumably
ensure thatthe unrepresentedparticipantunderstandsthe process,iscomfortableproceedingandhas
full opportunitytopresenthisorherside of the story.The procedural guidelinessetoutinsection1
above apply,butevenmore soif a participantisunrepresented.
Above all,counsel cannotadvise the unrepresentedpartyaboutthe law,andfor counsel'sown
protection,he orshe shoulddothe utmostto ensure thatthe unrepresentedparticipantobtainslegal
advice before signinganyagreement.Itmaybe at the stage of generatingsolutionsthatthe mediator's
jobwill be the hardestwiththe unrepresentedparty,andcounsel shouldbe willingtoallow some
processassistance fromthe mediatorinthisinstance,aslongasthe assistance remainsproceduraland
doesnotmove intothe substantive areasof agreement.
4. "Unfairagreements":whatis mediationcounsel'sduty?
Counsel presentatthe mediationwillusuallydiscussthe termsof emergingsettlementproposalsina
separate meetingwiththe clientduringthe mediation,eitherwithorwithoutthe mediatorpresent
(oftenreferredtoasa caucus).Thisenablescounsel andclienttodiscussprivatelycounsel'slegal
opinionandthe client'sinterestsandneeds,andtoassessthe costsand the risksof acceptingor not
acceptingthe proposedsettlementterms.Usuallybythe time agreementhasbeenreached,if the
participantsare readyto commit,soare theirlawyers.
Whencounsel isnotpresentat the mediation,however,the situationmaybe different.The participants
may change theirpointsof viewortheirperceptionsof whattheyneedduringthe mediationasa result
of whattheyhearand discuss.Counsel hasnotbeenpresenttomake thistransitionwithhisorher
client.If the resultingagreementis"fair"within counsel'sdefinition,thereisusuallynodifficulty,butif
he or she feelsthatthe agreementisunfair,itcanresultina stalemate withthe client.

6. Page 6 of 13
If the emergingagreementisunfairbecauseof one party'sinabilitytonegotiate orlackof expertise, itis
incumbentoncounsel toassistthe clientinunderstandingthe ramificationsanddiscusswaysof
remedyingthe situationthatthe clientcanbringback to the mediation.If the participantshave unequal
knowledge ornegotiatingskillsthatcannotbe adjustedinmediation,aresponsible mediatormay
suggestan adjournmenttoallow both participantstoobtainlegal orfinancial advice onaparticular
point.Counsel canbe extremelyuseful inassistingthe clienttoobtainthe informationorassistance
neededandtoreturnto mediationwithanew or more confidentapproach.
If,however,the emergingagreementappearsunfairinlaw,butisaddressingthe participants'needsor
principlesthatare importanttothem,experiencedmediationcounsel will canvassthe reasons,rather
than automaticallyrejectthe agreement.
If after discussionthe agreementistoproceed,counselmaywantto ensure thatan explanationis
includedinthe writtenagreement,muchasfamilylaw counsel wouldif draftingachildsupportorderor
agreementthatdiffersfromthe federal guidelines.
If counsel isstill uncomfortable,butfeelsthatthe clientunderstandsthe ramificationsandwishesto
signthe agreement,he orshe couldconsidertakingthe client'ssignature onthe agreement,butalso
writinga confirminglettertothe clientsettingoutthe advice thatwasgivenandthe client'spersonal
reasonsforacceptingthe agreement.Inanextreme case,counsel maywanttopropose thatthe client
shouldgeta secondopinionbeforesigninganagreement.Allof these processsolutionsmayassist
creative mediationcounseleithertodevelopsafeguardsthatwillmake the agreementmore acceptable,
or to convince the clientthatsome adjustmentshouldbe made.
APPROCHES OF ADR AND INVOLVMENTOF LAWYER IN THAT
Negotiation
Many people disregardnegotiationasanelementof the ADRprocess.Butwhy?
Negotiationisanattempttosettle adispute asan alternative tolitigation.Manyof uspractice
negotiationwithouteventhinkingof what we are doing.Butthe competentattorneywill prepare his
negotiationexercisesasmeticulouslyashe wouldhissubmissionsandhispreparationforgoingtocourt.
Much negotiationisdone incorrespondence withtimetoprepare aresponse toa letter,but there is
nothingbetterthanface to face negotiation.
How youprepare forthe negotiationprocessandhow youconductthe negotiationprocesswill
determine howsuccessful youare goingtobe?
I wouldsuggestthateveryattorneyneedstoworkoutthe best alternative toanegotiatedagreement
(BATNA) and,alsothe worstalternative toanegotiatedagreement(WATNA).
For example withaninjurycase,youhave lookedinKempe &Kempe andyouknow thatthe particular
value of an injuryisX andtherefore youmaysay thatyour bestalternative toanegotiatedsettlementis
X and that youwill acceptnothingless.Thatmaybe right,but I wouldsuggestthatthat isnot the
correct wayof preparingforyournegotiationsimplybecause there are noparametersunderwhichyou
are conductingthe negotiation.

7. Page 7 of 13
What wouldhappenif youropponentcame upwitha figure whichwastenpercent lessthanX?Would
youdismissitoutof hand?Wouldyou consideritwithyour client?Isitwithinthe range of your BATNA
and WATNA?
Of course,youcan alwaysresortto the oldform of negotiationandone whichIhave heardusedmanya
time.Picture this:
1. Plaintiff’sattorneyinvitesdefendant’sattorneytohisoffice fora3 o’clocknegotiation;
2. Defendant’sattorneyarrivesat2.55pm and iskeptwaitinguntil 3.15pm;
3. At 3.14pm, secretarygivesdefendant’sattorneycupof teafilledtothe brimand lappinginto
the saucer;
4. Plaintiff’sattorneygoestogreetdefendant’sattorneywho,havingnowhere toputhiscup of
tea,is awkwardlyplacedandsplashesteaall overhimself;
5. Goingto the attorney’soffice,defendant’sattorneyisplacedatleastthree feetfromthe edge
of plaintiff’sdeskinthe lowestpossible chairthatcan be found;
6. Plaintiff isinapositionof dominance because of hisheight;defendant’sattorneyiscoveredin
tea.Who has the advantage?
Negotiationrequiresattorneystobe imaginative andinnovativewithregardtoa settlement,andif,asa
negotiatoryoucan developthese qualities,thenyouwill probablyhave whatittakestobecome an
effectivemediatorbecause the skillsof anegotiatorare importantformediation.
Before leavingnegotiation,letme justsaythat inBermudaI am impressedthatthere isverylittlehorse-
tradingina negotiatedsettlement.Itseemstome thatthose attorneysthat I have dealtwithhave been
clearas to theirinstructionsandthe negotiationproceedswithoutthe usual barteringthatone hasbeen
accustomed to inotherjurisdictions.Thatisnotto say that horse-tradingisnotanadvantageouswayin
whichto negotiate anysettlement –your clientmightrequire youtodoso.To be effective,however,
and to maintaincredibilitywithyourpeers,beingproperly preparedforthe negotiationprocessis
essential andthe lawyerwill playaveryimportantrole inthe negotiationprocesswhichis,of course,all
part of ADR.
Arbitration
Perhapsa bitof historical backgroundtoarbitrationinBermudawouldbe helpful.
The modernActs that we have inBermudaare the ArbitrationActof 1986 and the International
ConciliationandArbitrationActof 1993. The 1986 Act isreferredtoas the "domestic"Actand the 1994
Act as the "international"Act.
DomesticarbitrationsinBermudahave beenongoingformanyyears.Theytendtobe of a construction
nature,that isinthe buildingindustry,ortheyare real estate innature,oftenresortedtoasa resultof
difficultiesinasale and purchase usuallyonpaymentof real estate commission.There are alsothose
real estate arbitrationsdealingwithrentreview clausesinleases,althoughnotascommoninBermuda
as theyare elsewhere.
These arbitrationshave beenthe domainof mainlythe Chamberof Commerce andthe architects,
engineersandsurveyorswhoare typicallyappointedtositasarbitrators.

8. Page 8 of 13
I am surprisedthatmore lawyersare notappointedasarbitratorsin these domesticdisputesasit
affordsgreattrainingforwhat the islandhaslongbeenstrivingfor,andthatis to make Bermudaan
international commercial arbitrationcentre.
As I have said,indomesticdisputesthe lawyercanbe appointedasarbitrator,but more typicallythe
lawyertendstobe involvedasthe counsel foreitherthe claimantorthe respondent.The sadfact of
arbitrationthese daysisthatit has become anabsolute mirrorof litigationwithverylittlesaving;infact,
it probablycostsmore thanSupreme Courtproceedingsandthe onlythingthatthe partiesgainis
privacyand a possible savingof time.
On the international scene,Bermuda’sattempttogetintothisarenahas beenwell documented.
However,forthose thatare perhapsunfamiliar,the processprobablystartedin1989 whenthe former
AttorneyGeneral WalterMaddocksandothers,oninvitationfromthe LCIA whohad heldaconference
inBermuda,decidedtomove the legislature tointroduce arbitrationlegislationwhichwould
incorporate the UNCITRALModel Law. To cut a longstory short,in1993 thisbecame realitywiththe
passingof the International ConciliationandArbitrationAct1993.
At that time,Bermudahadthe frameworkof the legislationandwasone of the few jurisdictionsinthe
worldwhohad adoptedthe Model Lawand whohad resistedthe temptationtotinkerwiththe Model
Law. Famously,atthe time Singapore,whohadenactedandadoptedthe Model Law somewhatearlier
than Bermuda,haddecidedthattheywere goingtoputan embargoonforeignattorneysattendingin
Singapore forarbitrationsandas a resultthere were veryfew international arbitrationsinSingapore for
a longtime.
Bermudahas norestrictionsonforeignattorneysattendingBermudaforthe purpose of aninternational
arbitration,andisnaturallywell placedgeographicallytobe the neutral venue forany arbitrationwhich
mighttake place betweenEurope andthe UnitedStates.Unfortunately,althoughinternational
arbitrationsare on the increase,theybarelyreachdoublefiguresonanannual basis.Whyis this?
We have a CharteredInstitute of Arbitrators, BermudaBranch,the Chairmanof whichisJeffrey
Elkinson.The CharteredInstitute promotestrainingforwould-be arbitratorsandqualifiedarbitrators,
and alsoacts as an appointingbodyinthe absence of anyprovisioninanycontract or agreementfor
arbitration.Itwas JeffreyElkinson,andothers,wholedthe cause fora dedicatedarbitrationcentre in
Bermudabecause of whathad beenheardonthe international arbitrationcircuit.
Typically,arbitrationsare heldinhotelsthatcanprovide 24-hourroom service,24-hoursecretarial
servicesanddedicatedrooms.UnfortunatelyinBermuda,the experience of some whohave undertaken
arbitrationshere didnotconfirmthatBermudahad 24-hour roomservice andthe full gamutof
secretarial andsupportservices.
Since the internationalarbitrationcentre hasbeenupandrunningIdo notbelieve thatithasactually
heldanarbitration,althoughinterestedusersfromabroadhave beentovisititbutstill there have been
no movestoholdinternational arbitrationsthere.Perhapsothervenuesare beingpreferredoritis
insufficientforthe needsof the disputingparties.
There istremendouscompetitionforBermudafromNew York,LondonandParis,whichall have world-
renownedandestablishedarbitrationorganisations,panelsandpersonnel.

9. Page 9 of 13
We can all be ambassadorsfor promotingBermudaasan arbitrationcentre,we shouldnotjustleave it
to the CharteredInstitute of Arbitratorstopromote arbitrationhere.If we wanttoparticipate in
arbitrationsandwe wish to be appointedasarbitratorsor gaininstructionsascounsel inarbitrations,
thenwe needtoget outand marketourselves.
The bestway isfor us to talkto our colleagueswhoworkinthe corporate practice areaor those that are
incommerce.Why?Because itis theywhohave the primaryresponsibilityof gainingarbitrationwork
for Bermuda.Igo back to the beginningof mytalkand reinforce the pointthatitisthe corporate
attorneyswhowill make the difference.
Attachedisa suggestedclause whichcanbe insertedintocommercial agreements,orcanbe made
available bythe litigatorsamongstustobe handedtoour corporate colleagueswhentheycome
runningat twominutestofive ona Fridayafternoonwantingaclause.
Thisis notthe definite clause andIstressthat,for itto be veryeffective,considerationmustbe givento
the type of industryorcommerce that the partiesconduct;to identifythe qualificationsof aproposed
arbitrator;to identifythe experience of the proposedarbitrator.
Althoughthe arbitrationclause will formaminiscule partof the overall commercialagreement,itmay
be worthwhile includinginthe arbitrationclause the mechanicsandprocedure forthe wayinwhichthe
earlystagesof the arbitrationare to be conductedand to grant specificpowers(outsideof the Actor
any rulesgoverningthe arbitration) whichcouldbe innovative andtime andcostsaving.
Try to avoidextensive discoveryatall costs!Thisisperhapsforeigntolitigatorswhothrive onthe
investigationof paperworkbutsometimesthe discoveryprocessgetsinthe wayof the dispute!
Whilstinthe above example the CharteredInstitute of Arbitrators,BermudaBranch,isthe nominated
appointingauthority,thiscanbe anotherorganisationsuchasthe BermudaMediationandArbitration
Associationorthe Presidentforthe time beingof the BermudaInternationalBusinessAssociation.These
organisationshave accesstoand the abilitytoprovide aregisterof suitablyqualifiedarbitrators.Above
all,one islookingtoappointsomeone whocanbe impartial andefficient.
Evenif you as a lawyerdonot getappointedasthe arbitratoryou may still be appointedbyone of the
disputingparties,orinaninternational arbitrationyoumayevenreceive instructionstoact inthe
registrar/facilitatorcapacity.
As I mentionedabove,arbitrationhasbecome amirrorof litigation.Itneedstobe shakenupif it isto
remaina viable alternative tothe courtprocess.Inmy view,lawyerscanmove thatprocessforwardby
beinginnovative indealingwiththe arbitrationprocess.Donotjustgo alongwiththe usual formatof
directionsif indeedthere isawayof gettingtothe heartof the dispute more quickly.
Mediation
Mediationhasbecome the buzzwordof the late 90s and of the year2000. We inBermuda,a jurisdiction
baseduponthe Englishcommonlaw,have probablybecome more aware of itinthe last three or four
yearsthan had previouslybeenthe case.Ireferof course tothe sweepingcivil law reformsinEngland
spear-headed byLordWolfe,andnowcommonlyreferredtoasthe Wolfe Reforms.Whetheranyof

10. Page 10 of 13
those reformswill be implementedinBermudaremainstobe seenandI can onlyechowhat has been
saidin the past byNarinderHargun – let’swaitandsee how theypan outin Englandandthenperhaps
we can cherry-pickthe onesforBermuda.
However,one of the reforms – mandatoryADR– issomethingthatwe may wishtoconsiderin
Bermuda.
Let usjust take a momentto lookacrossthe waterto NorthAmerica.InCanada I understandthat
mandatorymediationhasbeenadoptedandhasmovedonfroma pilotscheme of some yearsago
where everyothernewlyissuedactionwasimmediatelysenttoADRof some kind.
In the UnitedStates,mediationisbecomingthe flavourof the momentandmanyjudgesinmanyof the
courts are turningtheircase conferencesintomediationsessionsinordertotry and bringthe partiesto
an understanding.
Towardsthe backend of 1998 there wasa significantmediationwhichhasresultedinthe largest
settlementbythe Equal EmploymentOpportunitiesCommission(EEOC) andinvolvingthe Mitsubishi
manufacturingplantinNormal,Illinois.The claimarisingoutof anEEOC investigationintosexual
harassmentallegationsresultedinalawsuitbeingfiledin1996 bythe EEOC onbehalf of all womenwho
may have sufferedharassmentatthe Mitsubishi plant.The complaintallegedphysical andverbal
harassmentagainstwomendatingbackat leastsix yearsand,inaddition,toretaliationagainstthose
whowentto management withtheirproblems.Male co-workerswhotriedtohelpwere alsoallegedly
subjecttoabusive behaviour.
The allegationswere of the worstkindandinvolvedphysical abuse,bothinthe workplace andatsocial
functionsorganisedbyMitsubishi.
It was allegedthatthe harassmentstemmedinpartfromthe trainingMitsubishi managersreceivedin
Japanwhere,itwas asserted,the managerswere treatedtosexuallyexplicitentertainmentby
Mitsubishi officials.Itwasallegedthatthisfosteredanatmospherein whichmale employeeswidely
believedthatmanagementwouldtolerate abusive practicesagainstwomen.
Notonlywere Mitsubishi facedwiththe EEOCinvestigationandthe EEOC lawsuit,butinaddition,
twentysevenplaintiffsdecidedtoissue theirownlawsuit.One canimagine thatthiswasa public
relationsnightmare forMitsubishi.The presswerecrawlingall overthe storylike beestoa jampot.
Mitsubishi became evenmore pressuredwhenindependentMitsubishi dealershipswere threatened
withparticipationinthe suit,andinfact,the dealershipsthenthreatenedtoendtheirrelationswith
Mitsubishi because of the extreme publicityandlossof valuable vehicle sales.
So inthe scenariosthat we have hadso far, how wouldthisplayoutif thismatter was in Bermuda,and
1. The matter wenttothe Supreme Court;
2. A negotiatedsettlementoccurred;
3. The matter wenttoarbitration;
4. If the matterwas mediated.

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In desperationthe matterwasreferredtomediationwhichresultedinthe largestcashsettlementinany
EEOC sexual harassmentcase,withMitsubishi paying$34 millionintoasettlementfundtobe
distributedamongsteligible employees.The distributionof the awardswasbaseduponfive claimant
tiersdefinedtoapproximatelyreflectthe relative severityof the eligible claims.
The mediatorthenmovedtodetermine the criteriaforeligibilityineachof the five categories.
The breakdownof the settlementpaymentswasasfollows:7womenreceived$300,000 each;54
womenreceived$225,000 each;104 womenreceived$125,000 each; 113 womenreceived$40,000
each;208 received$10,721 each.
In additiontothe monetarysettlement,there wasputinplace a structure for improvingthe qualityof
the work environment.Thisinvolvedazerotolerance policy;the settingupof harassmentprevention
programmes;the trainingof supervisors;andthe appointmentof athree-memberpanel of outside
monitorstoensure compliance.
A complaintmechanismwassetuptoencourage employeestocome forward:
 An investigationof all complaintsof harassmentwastotake place withinthree weeks;
 To reportits findingsandplanforremedial actiononall complaintssevendaysthereafter;
 To maintainitstwenty-fourhourhotline foranonymouscomplaints;
 To take seriouslyall of those anonymouscomplaints.
The benefitsof the mediatedsettlementresultedinpositive publicity,notnegative;the abilityforthe
partiestowork towardsa settlementtogether;itwastheirsettlementandwasnotimposeduponthem
and the partiesdesignedafuture policywhichcouldneverbefore have beencontemplated.
Althoughthisisa mediationof amajorcase involvingamajorinternational conglomerate,manysuch
organisationsinsistthatanydispute shouldbe mediatedandthat’sit!
Why dotheydo this?
Many companieswithhouseholdnamessuchasReebok,Nestle,CocaColaandmany otherspreferand
indeedinsistonmediationbeingthe dispute resolutionof choice.
The reasonfor thisgoesrightto the route of any litigantwantingtolimititsexposure toadverse
publicity;cost;lossof managementtime;adverse publicity;continuingbusiness.
Mediationis:
 Private
 Can offera selectionof specialists(if desired)
 Can provide discovery(if needed)
 Quick
 Non-adversarial
 Preservesrelationships

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In the commercial sectorcompaniesare lookingfor:
 Expense reduction
 Breakthroughof posturingbyotherside,counsel andthe recalcitrance of the clients
 Quickresolution
 Relativelyinexpensive costswithlimitedrisks
The role for the lawyeristo take and explainthese benefitstothe client,eitherasthe dispute arisesor
inresolvingthe ADRclause.Justthinkof some of the benefitsthatcouldbe broughttoyour practice
areas bysuggestingmediationasameansof ADR:
 Your corporate clientwill be impressedthatyou have seizedona processwhichwouldappear
to save himcosts and preserve arelationship;
 Your local client– the personal injuryvictim, the divorcingparties,the realtor/vendordispute –
will be impressedthatyouare recommendingaspeedyresolution of the process;
 All will be impressedatthe costsavings.
Do All Lawyers Have To Be Mediators?
The answerto thisis no,simplybecause there are some thatcan mediate andothersthatwouldmuch
rather take the advocate’srole andassistthe parties throughthe process.
There isalso the perceptionthatlawyersfearthe unknownandwillnottryto use unfamiliartools.
However,trainedattorneysenhance the mediation"magic".Clientswill wantcompetenttrained
counsel toassistinresolvingdisputes.
Mediationhasbeencalled"shuttlediplomacy",butthatisdisingenuoustothe effortsof amediatorin
attemptingtoassistthe partiesfindasolutiontotheirproblem.
mediationisaprocessin whichthe disputingpartiesownthe eventualsettlement. Itisnot imposed
uponthem.
REFERENCES:
1.https://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/page.cfm?cid=1961&t=The-lawyer%27s-role-as-counsel-in-mediation
2.http://www.civiljustice.info/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1020&context=access
3.http://www.mondaq.com/x/13182/Is+There+A+Role+For+Lawyers+In+ADR

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