Mediation Still Largely Untapped, Business Techniques Lacking, Says Expert

A Management Consultant, Mr Adekunle Salau, on Wednesday blamed professionals’ inability to make money from mediation on lack of business techniques.

Salau said in Lagos at a training for mediators that many areas of mediation had yet to be tapped in Nigeria, adding that smart practitioners should exploit them for growth.

Salau, also a financial expert, spoke at the training organised by the Standing Conference of Mediation Advocates, (SCMA) Organisation.

The training, with the theme ”Business of Mediation Advocacy”, was on how to create a profitable business with mediation.

Salau said: “Your business needs to be accessible; take advantage of the latest technological advancements to build your business.

”You should never compromise on the quality of your practice in order to draw more clients.

“Before one can talk about the viability of integrating mediation advocacy as a profit centre in a law firm structure, the law firm must be well structured in business profitability.

“There are so many cases that have long been in court for years; the parties would jump on the option of mediation because, for them, it is a win-win.

“Mediation centres have the capacity to be top-tier organisations; private-owned mediation centres are the future of mediation.”

He urged mediators to create a niche for themselves instead of waiting for the society to accept it.

Salau also advised mediators to form a group and source for financial support from bigger organisations to help to enlighten the masses on mediation.

Mrs Mulikat Thomas, a lawyer and mediator, who participated in the training, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the knowledge gained would impact much on her practice.

According to her, the training will assist in increasing financial output from mediation.

Mr Adewale Sanni, a lawyer and mediator, told NAN that he learnt financial strategies of mediation from the business training.

NAN reports that mediation is a method of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party assists disputing parties in resolving conflicts through communication and negotiation.

-NAN