Postgraduate researcher invites submissions to mediation survey

A postgraduate researcher at University College Dublin has invited lawyers, mediators and clients to contribute to his research on mediation.

Researcher Aonghus Cheevers told Irish Legal News: “My research focuses on the role of procedural justice ideas (such as voice, control, and neutrality) in client, mediator, and lawyer evaluations of mediation.

“Since the publication of the Law Reform Commission’s Report, Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation and Conciliation in 2010, mediation has become increasingly popular in Ireland.

“The Mediation Bill, currently working its way through the Oireachtas, will legislate for the use of mediation in a variety of disputes.

“Because of its increased popularity and usage, it is important to understand how the parties using mediation experience and evaluate the process. My research tries to identify whether, and how, procedural justice ideas play a role in these evaluations.”

The short survey is “the final part of a three stage process involving interviews with various interested stakeholders and an analysis of client evaluations collected by the Family Mediation Service”.

Mr Cheevers added: “The research will provide empirical and theoretical support for mediation, in Ireland and abroad, and will add to a growing understanding of what mediation can offer parties and the legal system more broadly.

“I am interested in hearing from lawyers, mediators, or clients who have used mediation. Even if you have only used mediation once, your opinion would be extremely helpful. All the results are anonymous, the only identifying criteria and age group, occupation, gender, and location. Thank you for your support and participation.”