ISC Mediation Advocacy Task Force

It was a true delight and an inspiring challenge to crystallise what was scattered and fragmented and use it as a basis for creating a unique tool in advancing the users’ confidence in mediation and appreciation of the value of the advocates/advisors. I feel very proud of the results of the incredible dedication and hard work of the Mediation Advocacy (MA) Task Force and would like to thank all the Task Force members.  Professional competent mediation advocates/advisors make such a difference in the dynamics of mediation and in creating innovative and smart solutions.  Many mediators and parties report that mediations can fail, or sub-optimal outcomes are achieved, because those representing their clients fail to prepare their clients properly, act as if they are in a courtroom rather than at a negotiation table, focus on scoring points rather than helping to develop options for mutual gain.  By helping distinguish and professionalise mediation advocacy competency, users can make more informed decisions on appointing the right professional for their mediations to assist them to generate the best possible outcome.

Taskforce Chair, Manon Schonewille

The competency of the parties’ advocates in mediations is widely recognized as a crucial factor in securing the best possible settlements.  In order to establish a professional and technical basis for enabling disputing parties to identify the right people to advise and represent them in mediations, IMI has developed a comprehensive set of Competency Criteria of Mediation Advocates/Advisors.

IMI Mediation Advocacy Competency Criteria is a unique product of the Independent Standard Commission Mediation Advocacy Taskforce (MA Task Force) following an intensive year of deliberations, involving many users and including pilot programs, public consultations and focus groups.  The Criteria have been supported and endorsed by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Mediation Committee of the International Bar Association, the Standing Conference of Mediation Advocates (SCMA), the Paris Bar, ACB Foundation Corporate ADR & Mediation and Herbert Smith Freehills LLP.

The Mediation Advocacy Taskforce was a joint effort of thought leaders and experts in mediation advocacy, drawn from a range of international mediation stakeholders:

  • Manon Schonewille (Chair, The Netherlands)
  • Prof. Hal Abramson (US)
  • Prof. Ewa Gmurzynska (Poland)
  • Aloysius Goh (Singapore)
  • Andrew Goodman (UK)
  • Jeremy Lack (Switzerland)
  • Deborah Masucci (US)
  • Khory McCormick (Australia)
  • Alexander Oddy (UK)
  • Sim Khadijah Binte Mohammad (Singapore)
  • Dimitra Triantafyllou (Greece)

IMI Mediation Advocacy Certification:

  • helps parties to make informed decisions about competent professionals experienced in advising and representing clients in the resolution of disputes and/or making deals through mediation and enable users to easily browse profiles and select competent and suitable Mediation Advocates/Advisors;
  • is available to any experienced Mediation Advocate/Advisor who is submitted to IMI by a Mediation Advocacy Qualifying Assessment Program (MA-QAP), with their profiles searchable on IMI’s website.

ADR professional and provider organisations are invited to submit to IMI their applications to be approved for qualifying competent professionals for IMI Mediation Advocacy Certification. Once approved, Mediation Advocacy Qualifying Assessment Programs (MA-QAPs) are displayed at: https://imimediation.org/orgs/find-program/.

Members

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