Image: ADGM/ For illustrative purposes
ADGM Courts announced the launch of its Pro Bono Mediators Panel, marking a key milestone in strengthening its Court-Annexed Mediation Scheme, introduced in 2019 as a regional first.
The initiative aims to broaden access to justice while fostering global mediation talent.
The new panel will consist of internationally accredited mediators who volunteer their services on a pro bono basis. In return, they gain practical experience handling mediations under a leading international commercial framework.
The first cohort of mediators has already been appointed, with additional application rounds to follow.
The panel supports parties seeking early, cost-effective dispute resolution within ADGM Courts’ jurisdiction and enhances mediation as a viable alternative to litigation.
“Mediation offers parties a confidential forum to negotiate the resolution of their dispute via a process during which they retain full control,” the court said in a statement.
If a written settlement agreement is reached and signed, it becomes legally binding, and in cases where proceedings are ongoing, ADGM Courts will issue an order giving effect to the settlement agreement — enforceable at the request of either party.
Mediators panel an important next step in the evolution of the scheme
Registrar and chief executive of ADGM Courts, Linda Fitz-Alan, said the Court-Annexed Mediation Scheme has achieved an average settlement rate of 80 per cent year on year since its inception.
She described the launch of the Pro Bono Mediators Panel as “an important next step” in the evolution of the scheme.
“This reflects ADGM Courts’ long-standing commitment to promoting mediation as an outstanding method of dispute resolution, especially for the new wave of disputes in technology and climate,” Fitz-Alan said.
Court-annexed mediation under ADGM Courts may be conducted either by court officers or by independent pro bono mediators appointed by the registrar.
The initiative aligns with ADGM’s broader goals of enhancing dispute resolution infrastructure and promoting efficient legal processes in Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre.
