Powered by Lexis+®
Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
CASE STUDY

“In some areas of research there were also significant time savings. You get to what you are looking for more quickly, which all goes to the value of the product.”

Harper Mcleod

Access all documents on Mediation agreement

Mediation agreement meaning

What does Mediation agreement mean?
A mediation agreement (often called an agreement to mediate) is the contract the parties sign, usually with the mediator or mediation provider, before a mediation begins. It sets the ground rules and procedure for the mediation, including confidentiality and without prejudice/privilege protections (subject to standard exceptions such as threats of harm or crime), the voluntary and non-binding nature of the process, the mediator’s independence and role (facilitator, not adviser), limits or exclusions of the mediator’s liability, fees and costs, authority to settle, disclosure and data protection, timetable, and governing law/jurisdiction. The term is a descriptive expression used across disputes practice and is not generally defined in legislation or case law in England & Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland; it operates as a private contract. In Ireland, the Mediation Act 2017 provides a statutory framework (including confidentiality and recognition of “mediation settlements”), but the agreement to mediate itself remains contractual. A mediation agreement does not resolve the dispute. Any deal reached is recorded separately in a binding settlement agreement and, where appropriate, made an order of the court (for example, a Tomlin order or consent order in England & Wales, a minute of agreement in Scotland). Usage is broadly consistent across the UK...
Speed up all aspects of your legal work with tools that help you to work faster and smarter. Win cases, close deals and grow your business–all whilst saving time and reducing risk.

View the related Checklists about Mediation agreement

CHECKLISTS
Mediation for lawyers: checklist covering arrangements, pre-mediation documents and strategy, confidentiality and costs, and on-the-day attendance, negotiation and settlement agreement drafting

This Checklist sets out the matters to address when organising a mediation once the parties have agreed to mediate or the court has directed it. It covers three phases: arranging the mediation the period immediately before the mediation what is required at the mediation Arranging the mediation The form of mediation — Explore and agree with your client whether the session should be held in person, by phone, or ‘online’, i.e. remotely via video conferencing. See: Remote access mediation—checklist The mediator — Nominate and appoint a mediator. See Practice Note: Choosing a mediator The mediation fees / expenses — Confirm fees and expenses with the mediator; these are commonly apportioned between the parties. See Practice Note: Mediation costs—liability and recovery The mediation agreement — Settle the mediation agreement terms with the other party/parties and the mediator. See Practice Note: Organising a mediation The administrative arrangements — Arrange practical details for the mediation, including venue and...

Read More Right Arrow
CHECKLISTS
Civil Settlement Agreements: Negotiation, Drafting, ADR, Part 36, 'Without Prejudice' and 'Subject to Contract', Tomlin Orders, Deeds and Third-Party Rights—Checklist (England and Wales)

When to seek settlement? This checklist flags common issues that can emerge when negotiating and drafting a settlement agreement. For step-by-step guidance on negotiating and preparing a settlement agreement, consult the following Practice Notes: How to agree and draft a settlement agreement (non-employment claims) Settling disputes—how to document a settlement Settling disputes—drafting the settlement agreement Keep settlement in mind at every stage of a dispute, including pre-action. Consider the full range of resolution routes, such as direct negotiation between the parties or their legal advisers, assessing whether a Part 36 offer is suitable, or engaging in assisted alternative dispute resolution (ADR), for example mediation. Following a rule change in October 2024, the court may now order parties to participate in ADR (see CPR 3.1(2)(o)). Review any contractual duties relating to settlement—such as a tiered dispute resolution clause—and ensure compliance with pre-action protocol requirements that encourage and facilitate settlement efforts. For additional context, see: Settling disputes—what, when and why settle?...

Read More Right Arrow
CHECKLISTS
UK courts’ post-Brexit application of EU civil justice instruments under Withdrawal Agreement transitional provisions from 1 January 2021: dispute resolution checklist (archived)

ARCHIVED: This archived Checklist outlines how EU regulations are applied by the UK courts after IP completion day, owing to the continuing operation of relevant transitional provisions in the Withdrawal Agreement 2020. The regulations addressed are of particular interest to Dispute Resolution practitioners. It is not updated and is provided for background information only. This Checklist does not consider the position beyond those transitional provisions. References in the tables to Articles are to articles in the Withdrawal Agreement 2020 and therefore apply to both the UK and the remaining EU Member States. The Withdrawal Agreement 2020 can be accessed here. Definitions: implementation period—the transition or implementation period set out by Article 126 of the Withdrawal Agreement 2020, which starts on exit day and ends on IP completion day IP completion day—31 December 2020 at 11 pm (section 39 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020) Applicable law Regulation Application of the regulation from 1 January 2021 ...

Read More Right Arrow

View the related News about Mediation agreement

NEWS
Global arbitration highlights: non-signatory stay, natural justice set-aside, Mareva support, award enforcement; UNCITRAL ISDS reform; institutional updates; plus UK Arbitration Act 2025 practice notes

In this issue: International Arbitration Investment treaty arbitration Institutional and ad hoc arbitration Daily and weekly news alerts New and updated content Useful information International Arbitration Hong Kong—court orders stay of court proceedings in dispute involving non-signatory to arbitration agreement The Hong Kong Court of First Instance, in Techteryx Ltd v Legacy Trust Company Ltd, ordered a stay of Hong Kong proceedings in favour of arbitration at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). Her Ladyship, Madam Justice Mimmie Chan, found that the criteria for a stay under section 20 of the Arbitration Ordinance (Cap. 609) were fulfilled. On a prima facie assessment, there was a sufficient basis for the non-signatory defendant to invoke the arbitration agreements, relying on the doctrines of agency and equitable estoppel under Delaware law, which governed those agreements. For detailed commentary, refer to News Analysis: Hong Kong—court orders stay of court proceedings in dispute involving non-signatory to arbitration agreement (Techteryx Ltd v Legacy...

Read More Right Arrow
NEWS
International Arbitration in 2025: Climate and Energy Transition Disputes, Investor‑State Mediation and Expedited Procedures, Rise of Regional Seats, and Sanctions‑Driven Challenges

Climate change Climate change and the energy transition will continue to shape cross‑border disputes through the rest of this year and beyond. In investor–state arbitration, the tension has emerged because governments find themselves caught between competing imperatives, notes Christina G Hioureas, global co‑chair of Foley Hoag LLP’s international litigation and arbitration department and chair of its United Nations practice group. On the one hand, states owe duties under international law on climate, including commitments in accords such as the Paris Agreement. On the other, investors are bringing claims over measures aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions, for example limiting conventional oil and gas developments and winding down coal‑fired generation. Illustratively, the UK was served this month with a claim constituting its first climate‑related investor‑state dispute and its debut before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. Reports indicate the case concerns the setting aside of a coal mine project in north‑west England. As Hioureas observed, many states are grappling with the same dilemma: striving to honour their obligations,...

Read More Right Arrow
NEWS
Settlement agreements: misrepresentation at mediation, implied terms and without prejudice exceptions—English Commercial Court applying Oceanbulk in Pentagon Food Group v B Cadman

The Pentagon Food Group Ltd v B Cadman Ltd [2024] EWHC 2513 (Comm) What are the practical implications of this case? This judgment traverses notable ground, offering a useful prompt for legal practitioners on several points. As to express terms, the court offered a synopsis of the principles in Wood v Capita Insurance Services Ltd [2017] AC 1173, observing that where, as here, the agreement was assembled at the close of a lengthy day’s mediation, the evidential backdrop may carry greater weight than it would for a complex commercial contract. That context can include consideration of statements made during the mediation that produced the settlement, applying Oceanbulk Shipping v TMT [2010] 3 WLR 1424 (SC) (see paras [68]–[69]). The court then recapped the law on implied terms, following Marks & Spencer v BNP Paribas [2016] AC 742 (SC) at paras [14]–[21], reminding parties that terms will only be read into detailed commercial agreements if necessary to confer business efficacy on the contract or if it is...

Read More Right Arrow

View the related Practice Notes about Mediation agreement

PRACTICE NOTES
Agricultural holdings disputes in Scotland: Scottish Land Court jurisdiction, exceptions, procedures and remedies; arbitration, mediation and appeals

For many years, virtually every disagreement about agricultural tenancies was sent to arbitration at the outset. The rationale was that questions concerning agricultural holdings often have a strong practical dimension, so arbitration was thought a more suitable forum than the courts. This reflected the earlier assumption that practical considerations predominated in such cases, making a court reference less apt back then. Over time, however, matters of considerable legal intricacy also came before arbitrators. With the enactment of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003 (AH(S)A 2003), policy shifted, and the main route for resolving disputes about agricultural tenant issues is now referral to the Scottish Land Court. At the same time, arbitration procedures were streamlined, and alternative processes, eg mediation, were enabled. Although the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 1991 (AH(S)A 1991) still sets out distinct mechanisms for dispute resolution, AH(S)A 2003 has substantially reshaped them, so that the arrangements for resolving disputes under 1991 Act Tenancies are, in large part, aligned with those for 2003 Act Tenancies...

Read More Right Arrow
PRACTICE NOTES
Mediation in IP disputes: UK practitioners’ guide to process, strategy, court-ordered ADR under CPR, mediator selection, documentation, settlement (including Tomlin orders), IPO mediation and costs

Practice Note This Practice Note outlines how mediation operates in IP disputes, highlighting core practical points and the documents commonly employed. an overview of mediation which disputes are suitable for mediation the appropriate timing for mediation selecting a mediator what a mediation agreement should contain key documentation preparing and planning for mediation how the session is run settlement and costs It also considers the mediation service provided by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process through which two or more parties seek to reach a negotiated resolution of a dispute. The parties undertake it with the assistance of an impartial third party (the mediator) who facilitates progress towards agreement. There is nothing distinctive about mediating an IP dispute when compared with other disputes. The way any mediation is conducted turns on the character of the dispute and the parties’ aims; accordingly, the issues in play will steer the considerations set...

Read More Right Arrow
PRACTICE NOTES
Family non-court dispute resolution glossary: mediation, collaborative law and arbitration key terms, rules and forms (England and Wales)

Practice Note This Practice Note outlines widely used terminology and definitions, and what they signify within the non-court routes to resolving disputes, namely family mediation, collaborative law, and family arbitration. It also provides a summary of the pertinent rules and required forms, together with pointers to related resources. Mediation Term Description Agreement to mediate A document executed by the parties to the mediation and the mediator(s) which defines the scope and framework of the mediation. See Precedent: Agreement to mediate BFLS 6E [21004]. Co-mediation Mediation conducted by two mediators—commonly, one co-mediator will be a lawyer and the other is not legally qualified. Form FM5 (statement of position on non-court dispute resolution) A form that must be completed setting out the parties’ positions on engaging with non-court dispute resolution. This form must be filed and served seven days before the first ‘on notice’ hearing and, if the court so directs, before any later hearing in the proceedings. ...

Read More Right Arrow

View the related Precedents about Mediation agreement

PRECEDENTS
Client guide: financial disclosure and Form E in family financial remedy cases

This note offers general guidance about financial disclosure. Your family lawyer will be able to give specific advice tailored to your circumstances. What is financial disclosure? Financial disclosure means providing your spouse or partner, and the court, with complete information about your personal financial position together with your anticipated needs and resources. It is ordinarily the first step your family lawyer will ask you to take, because they cannot advise you properly on the likely outcome of your matter without a clear understanding of where both you and your spouse/partner stand financially. In financial cases, transparency is crucial whatever route you choose to reach an agreement, whether inside or outside the court system. If you commence court proceedings, the court will require both you and your spouse/partner to complete a detailed financial statement (a form known as Form E) before the first hearing. In out-of-court options such as mediation, collaborative law or arbitration, you will usually be asked to use a similar form or document. Why is...

Read More Right Arrow
PRECEDENTS
Limited liability partnership (LLP) members' agreement precedent: governance, capital, profit sharing, admission/expulsion, intellectual property and dispute resolution (England and Wales)

This llp Agreement is dated [ insert date and month ] 20[ insert year ] Parties The persons identified in Part A of Schedule 1 ( Initial Members ); and [ insert name ] LLP, a limited liability partnership (registration number OC [ insert number ]), whose registered office is at [ insert address ] ( LLP ). background [ The LLP was formed under the Act on [ insert date ]. OR The Initial Members plan to incorporate the LLP under the Act on, or immediately following, the date of this agreement. ] The Initial Members enter into this agreement to define the LLP’s internal arrangements and to set out their respective rights, obligations and duties in relation to the LLP...

Read More Right Arrow
PRECEDENTS
Conditional Fee Agreement template for insolvency office-holders (post-6 April 2016): solicitor-client terms on success fees, costs recovery, counsel CFA and ATE insurance (England and Wales)

This Agreement is entered into on [ date ] Parties [ Company Name ] [ (in liquidation, etc) ] [ (the ‘ Company ’) acting through ] [ name(s) of insolvency practitioner(s) ] [ (the ‘ Liquidator ’), (the ‘ Administrator ’), etc ] [ (and all successors in title) ] [ acting as agent for the Company, except as provided in this Agreement ] ( [ together ] the ‘ Client ’) [ both ] of [ address ]; [ Firm Name and Address ] (the ‘ Firm ’). It is hereby agreed as follows: 1 Definitions 1.1 In this Agreement: Appeal means any request for permission to appeal and/or an appeal to the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court from a lower court’s decision, or to a Judge from a decision of a District Judge, Registrar, Master or Insolvency and Companies Court Judge, in relation to the Claim Basic Costs means the fees...

Read More Right Arrow