Yorkshire-based law practice Consilia Legal has launched an innovative online mediation solution, offering access to remote, high quality mediation services. Whilst the solution has obvious advantages during lockdown, Consilia has highlighted the wider benefits of online mediation, such as reducing travel time for parties, speeding up the process and taking the potential heat out of face-to-face encounters.
Consilia Legal developed the service as a forward-thinking measure to support clients at their time of need, maintaining quality of service throughout lockdown. Eliminating traditional geographical constraints around mobility and travel, the digital solution enables clients to access Consilia Legal’s significant mediation expertise in family, workplace, civil and commercial law from anywhere across the UK and overseas. Consilia is one of the only firms to have launched a service across the three main areas of mediation, with specialists in each on hand to assist and provide their expertise.
The team of dedicated specialists and highly-accredited mediators will facilitate mediations through video calls via smartphone and tablet apps as well as traditional computer-based systems, with options to use platforms including Zoom, Skype, Facebook Messenger and Whatsapp.
As well as improving accessibility, the new, geographically-distanced solution will also help remove the potential for adversarial face-to-face meetings, enabling clients to remain emotionally-distanced, at ease and able to speak more freely from the comfort of their own home or workplace.
Laura Clapton, Director, Family Solicitor and Mediator said: “COVID-19 has had a significant impact across many lives and sectors, so we’re proud to have developed our new virtual mediation offer in a forward-thinking step for the legal sector. This type of solution is typical of our way of working – we want to be at the forefront of what is possible in our field, and we’ve already seen significant interest from our referral partners in the legal sector, as well as businesses and individuals. The fact that we have dedicated experts in each field of practice, allows us to tailor a digital solution to individual needs.
“We’re committed to providing the highest quality mediation services to clients who need our support, and our experienced team has been able to deliver the same level of expertise in this new digital format.”
Sarah Manning, Senior Associate Solicitor and Mediator said: “While recent months have been difficult for many, we’re proud that we have been able to make a timely move and expand our offer, enabling us to continue providing expert mediation services to those who need it.
“From accessibility to empowerment, online mediation has many further benefits beyond being COVID-secure, and we look forward to helping lead the way with an efficient, effective solution for many families in the long term.”
Following positive feedback from existing clients and partners, the tried-and-tested solution will continue to deliver on Consilia Legal’s commitment to finding practical solutions to disputes, achieving fair outcomes for all parties and helping to avoid expensive court proceedings.
