Cork Event Offers Fresh Perspective on Alternative Dispute Resolution

Almost 70 professionals from legal, engineering, construction and the insurance industry gathered last night at the Clayton Hotel, Lapp's Quay, Cork to enjoy an insightful discussion on Alternative Dispute Resolution and its growing popularity in Ireland.

Organised by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and sponsored by Comyn Kelleher Tobin, the annual event heard from Lorraine O' Sullivan, Senior Counsel, and Eamon Harrington, Partner and Head of Litigation, Comyn Kelleher Tobin.

Chair of the event, the Honourable Ms. Justice Marie Baker, a Cork native and presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal, acknowledged the new Mediation Act 2017 which came into force last year, and the increased awareness and willingness by the Judiciary to look to ADR in appropriate circumstances.

Ms. O’Sullivan S.C explored her experience acting as both an Arbitrator and trained Mediator referencing the Act and the increased obligations to consider mediation for dispute resolution.

Mr. Harrington, Partner, Comyn Kelleher Tobin, also a qualified Arbitrator and Mediator gave a presentation on the ‘Versatility of ADR’ recognising that while litigation shall always remain the dominant mechanism in resolving disputes, that there are now several alternative mechanisms, such as arbitration, mediation and conciliation, which are becoming increasingly popular, given the distinct advantages of privacy and efficiency.

Following the event Keith Kelliher, Chair of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Ireland, said “Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has undergone a transformation in Ireland over the last decade. Since 2010 we have seen great strides in getting all aspects of ADR incorporated in Statute, with the introduction of the Arbitration Act 2010, the Construction Contracts Act 2013 and the Mediation Act 2017. The event described and outlined these and other forms of dispute resolution outside of the litigation process. We were delighted to have both Lorraine O’Sullivan S.C and Eamon Harrington, CKT, as speakers under the watchful eye of our chair for the evening the Hon Ms Justice Marie Baker.

“As the world leading professional body for dispute avoidance and dispute management the CIArb aims to assist individuals and organisations in avoiding, managing and resolving conflict and ensuring that the highest standards of training and education in the field is available to those who wish to assist parties in achieving this goal. The forum was a testament to the desire to achieve this goal and to help in advancing the existence of and benefits of ADR.”

Pictured at the event is Seamus Roche, S.C., Justice Teresa Pilkington and Justice Seamus Noonan and Meg Burke, B.L. 

The Hon. Ms. Justice Marie Baker- Judge of the Court of Appeal and Kieran Buckley, Solicitor at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Ireland forum.

Olive Thorpe and Joanne McCarthy, Aviva.  

Tim Harley, SL and Bill Morrissey, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. 

ABOUT CIArb:

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Ireland Branch are the leading ADR provider in the Ireland in terms of training, continuing professional development and ADR appointments. www.ciarb.ie

About Comyn Kelleher Tobin: 

Established in 1981, Comyn Kelleher Tobin (CKT) solicitors has offices in 2 George’s Quay, Cork and Lincoln Lane, Smithfield, Dublin 7. A leading national firm, CKT is ranked in the top 25 law firms in Ireland with specialised client services in healthcare, childcare and family, corporate, litigation and employment. The firm offers a full complement of legal services with highly qualified team members to ensure clients receive the best possible advice. www.ckt.ie