Merseyside law firm moves into mediation

Liverpool-based law firm Paul Crowley & Co has expanded its commercial offering in response to an increasing demand for mediation services.

The company’s PCSLaw commercial department is providing the service after noticing a rising call for mediation in the wake of court fee increases, which were introduced in April this year. Following the changes, Paul Crowley & Co found more and more companies turning to mediation in response to the rising costs of going to court.

Trainee solicitor Daniel Rawcliffe, who is a qualified mediator with PCSLaw, commented: “We’re delighted to be able to offer mediation as part of our commercial service. Mediation is a highly cost-effective alternative for any business wishing to resolve a dispute and avoid a court hearing.

“Mediation is wholly impartial and there are no stringent rules of disclosure as there are in the court room.”

He added: “In the majority of cases, a mediator can quickly and effectively bring parties to a point of resolution whilst working to retain or rebuild personal and business relationships.”

According to the company, which is based on Old Hall Street in the city centre, mediators are often called in over disagreements about land, property, contracts, rights or disputes between business partners, working alongside both parties with a view to gaining an understanding of both points of view.

Commercial mediation allows those involved to settle disagreements outside of court, with courts able to prevent either side proceeding unless a mediation process has first been attempted.