Mediation is playing an increasingly prominent role in resolving commercial disputes across the region, yet many lawyers remain far more comfortable advocating in an arbitral tribunal or a courtroom than in a mediation room. The skills that win in an adversarial forum — combative framing, positional bargaining, playing every card close to the chest — can actively work against a client in mediation. Effective mediation advocacy requires a different toolkit, and lawyers who master it are able to secure better, faster, and more durable outcomes for their clients.
This seminar is designed for practising lawyers who advise clients in commercial disputes and want to sharpen their mediation advocacy skills. Drawing on real-world examples — including the particularly high-stakes and emotionally complex world of family business disputes — the session will equip attendees with practical, transferable techniques they can apply across their commercial practice.
Topics will include:
The advocate’s role in mediation: how it differs from advocacy in arbitration or litigation, and why the same tactics don’t translate
Preparing clients for mediation: managing expectations, identifying real interests behind stated positions, and building settlement authority
Persuasion techniques for joint sessions and private caucuses
Common tactical errors that stall or derail settlement — and how to avoid them
Case study focus: mediating commercial disputes involving family-owned businesses — where shareholder, governance and succession issues intersect with commercial claims, and where relationships (not just remedies) are often at stake
Practical takeaways lawyers can apply in their next mediation, regardless of sector
Timing:
Registration: 10:30
Panel Discussion: 11:00
Networking & refreshments: 12:00 onwards
Format: Panel discussion with practitioner insights, followed by an interactive Q&A and networking reception.