Although mediation is typically defined as a completely voluntary process, it can be mandated by a court that is interested in promoting a speedy and cost-efficient settlement.

When parties and their attorneys are reluctant to engage in mediation, their odds of settling through court-annexed mediation can be low, as they may just be going through the motions. However, when parties on both sides see the benefits of engaging in the process, settlement rates are much higher.

This half-day session will introduce you to the skills and practices that mediators need for effective court-annexed mediation. We will hear from mediators in Nigeria, Singapore and California who are experienced in court-annexed mediation on the following questions:

• What are the key differences between voluntary and court-annexed mediation?
• How do you prepare yourself and the parties/lawyers for court-annexed mediation?
• How do you manage the lawyers in court-annexed mediation?

We will then outline the responsibilities of mediators when mediating cases referred by the High Courts and Magistrates' Courts in South Africa.