Newcastle University

The Law School recently held a Mediation Day for first Year undergraduates, supported and presented by Northern Dispute Resolution (NDR), a local body seeking to promote alternative dispute resolution. Led by Mr Ronald Bradbeer, a Consultant with Eversheds, Solicitors, and a mediator in demand around the world, Mr Kevan Carrick, a Chartered Surveyor with extensive mediation experience and Mr Malcolm Gregor, formerly the senior partner of Crutes, Solicitors, with great experience of mediation, the students were given a presentation followed by small group discussion of a mediation case study. The day concluded with a role play of the mediation case-study using the three mediators and the Head of the Law School, Mr Ashley Wilton in the roles. This proved to be both an entertaining and stimulating exercise.

Mr Wilton, commenting on the day, emphasised that "our students need a realistic view of dispute resolution given that only 4% of civil cases get to Court and only 2% to judgment. It follows that student awareness of the central importance of techniques of dispute resolution is vital. This fits well with the Law School's programme to enhance employability for our students".