posted February 23, 2024
There has been a call for lawyers who are involved in mediation to improve their understanding and introduce better strategies that will help in mediation process, especially after court referrals. This was the submission of discussants at a workshop organized by the ADR Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NBA SLP).
The workshop which held at the Justice Umezulike Auditorium within the Enugu State High Court premises was attended by lawyers nationwide both physically and virtually.
At the sessions, the various speakers highlighted some crucial points about the importance of effective mediation strategies for lawyers, particularly after court referrals, noting that being well-prepared, informed, and innovative can indeed make a significant difference in the mediation process
In her keynote speech at the event, the chairman of NBA/SLP, Chief Mrs. Boma Alabi, SAN said that the workshop with the theme, Actionable Strategies For Mediation After Court Referrals was apt, given the growing importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution ((ADR).
She maintained that lawyers need to know where to start especially when the matter has been referred to the ADR for settlement.
Speakers at the workshop Mrs. Caroline Etuk, Director of Enugu State Multi-door Courthouse, and Achere Cole, Director of Lagos State Multi-door court house, stressed the need for lawyers to be well prepared for the mediation process just like they do before going to court.
They also urged lawyers to be innovative and come up with ideas that will be of benefit to all the parties in the matter and not just their client alone while urging lawyers to always inform their clients on what to expect when they come to ADR, adding that the ADR is indeed faster in dispute resolution when all parties are well informed and prepared.
Going forward, the insights from Chief Mrs. Boma Alabi, Mrs. Caroline Etuk, and Achere Cole emphasize the critical role of preparation, innovation, and a focus on mutual benefit in mediation after court referrals. And also, they stressed how important it is for lawyers to understand the specific context of the dispute and tailor their approach to ensure a successful outcome for all parties involved.