Arbitration & Mediation Services.
We are a modern and friendly ADR group within 1EC Chambers offering unique and bespoke solutions to all types of disputes.
Unique because we are in the heart of The Temple offering not only the most up-to-date and elegant facilities at The Inner Temple itself, next door to us but also because we are flexible enough to accommodate and customise all needs, deploying appropriate and practical solutions for all clients be that at The Inner Temple or any other venue.
Our expertise and experience is unquestioned.
Should you require any assistance in terms of arbitrator appointment or representation from our barristers who are accredited by several organisations including the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators; or if you are looking to appoint an accredited mediator or representation at mediation, please contact our dedicated clerking team by email on clerks@1ec.co.uk or phone on 0207 936 3030.
- WHY CHOOSE ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR)?
In today’s fast-paced world, litigation is not always the best option. Traditional court proceedings can be lengthy, costly, and adversarial, often leading to damaged relationships and prolonged uncertainty. ADR with 1EC Barristers provides a more pragmatic, efficient, and flexible alternative.
1. Faster Resolution
Court cases can take months or even years to reach a conclusion, particularly in complex disputes. In contrast:
- Mediation can resolve disputes in a matter of hours or days.
- Arbitration – we will endeavour to resolve matters dealt with via arbitration within 80 days where possible via a structured and expedited process
- Courts and other decision making bodies all over the world are now increasingly turning to and directing parties to consider ADR.
2. Cost-Effective
Litigation involves substantial legal fees, court costs, and associated expenses. The ADR process with 1EC Barristers significantly reduces these costs by:
- Minimising court involvement – Avoiding costly hearings and procedural delays.
- Reducing legal fees – Less time spent in formal proceedings means lower costs.
- Preventing ongoing financial losses – Quicker resolutions allow businesses and individuals to move forward without prolonged uncertainty.
3. Confidentiality & Privacy
Unlike court cases, which are generally open to the public, ADR proceedings remain private and confidential. This is particularly important for:
- Commercial disputes where business reputations and sensitive information are at stake.
- Employment & workplace conflicts that require discretion to preserve working relationships.
- High-profile cases where public scrutiny could be damaging.
4. Control & Flexibility
Court proceedings follow strict procedural rules, whereas ADR allows parties to:
- Choose their arbitrator or mediator – Ensuring expertise in the relevant area of law.
- Set their own timetable – Avoiding the unpredictability of court schedules.
- Tailor the process – Agreeing on procedures that best suit the nature of the dispute.
5. Preserves Relationships
Court battles often create hostility between parties. ADR promotes:
- Constructive dialogue – Encouraging parties to engage with one another.
- Mutual agreement – Particularly in mediation, where parties actively participate in crafting a resolution.
- Long-term cooperation – Essential for disputes involving business partners, employers, or family members.
6. Legally Binding & Enforceable (in Arbitration)
While mediation results in a voluntary agreement, arbitration offers the security of a legally binding decision, enforceable like a court judgment. This makes it an ideal choice when parties require finality and certainty without litigation.
Mediation Agreements by virtue of the Singapore Convention on Mediation and Arbitration Awards by virtue of the 1958 New York Convention on the Recongition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards both attract international recognition.
7. Suitable for a Wide Range of Disputes
ADR is used across multiple sectors, including:
- Business & Commercial – Contract disputes, shareholder disagreements, mergers & acquisitions.
- Employment & Workplace – Unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing.
- Property & Construction – Landlord-tenant issues, planning disputes, construction claims.
- Professional Negligence – Claims against solicitors, accountants, and financial advisers.
- Intellectual Property & Technology – Copyright, trademarks, licensing, and software disputes.
Is ADR Right for You?
ADR is a powerful alternative to litigation, but its effectiveness depends on the nature of the dispute. If you are unsure whether arbitration or mediation is the best route, our experienced barristers can assess your case and guide you through the process so that you can take an informed decision.
- FACILITIES WE CAN PROVIDE
1EC Barristers is situated next to The Inner Temple (one of the four magnificent Inns of Court).
The Honourable Society of The Inner Temple dates back many hundreds of years and contains one of the largest concentrations of Grade I listed buildings in London, with many of the others being listed Grade II* or II.
As part of our arbitration and mediation service, we are also able to arrange for the hire of the meeting room facilities of The Inner Temple.
These rooms are fully equipped with a range of rooms and conference facilities, and the historic environment serves as the perfect backdrop and setting for successful resolutions in arbitrations and mediations.
You can read more about The Inner Temple meeting rooms facilities here.
- ARBITRATION
Our barristers have extensive experience in handling disputes under the major arbitration rules, including ICC and UNCITRAL and are appointed in arbitrations across diverse sectors including:
• Art and Cultural Heritage Disputes
• Commercial & Corporate – Shareholder and joint venture disputes
• Construction & Infrastructure
• Property matters – service charges and boundary wall disputesOur arbitrators are also appointed in high-stakes investor-state disputes and high net-worth family office matters; bringing deep expertise in navigating complex cross-border and sensitive matters.
Our arbitrators accept and are experienced in sole, party and chair-based appointments from both parties and institutions worldwide, particularly in the UK and the Middle East.
Depending on the matter in dispute, if it can be dealt with by way of a paper submission we aim to provide a decision within 80 days of being instructed as an Arbitrator.
- MEDIATION
Our mediators handle a diverse range of disputes, including:
• Art and Cultural Heritage Disputes
• Commercial & Construction matters
• Community Disputes
• Contentious Probate Disputes
• Employment
• Property matters – service charges and boundary wall disputes
• Sports LawWe act in cases of all levels of complexity and financial value, providing effective and strategic mediation services.
Our mediators are appointed to several panels including Sports Resolution, Qatar International Commercial Court.
Our barristers both represent clients as counsel in mediations across all our practice areas and as mediators provide a sustainable solution-focused approach which incorporates a broad variety of skills, including conciliation and facilitation – to name but two!
Depending on the matter in dispute we aim to engage the parties and hold a mediation within 21 days of being instructed as a Mediator.
- OUR APPROACH TO FEES
Whilst fees will be dependent on the specifics of each particular case, 1EC always provide a first-class service at competitive and accessible rates.
Our dedicated clerking team will provide a transparent and tailored fee estimate based on principles such as complexity of the case, time and any additional services that might be required.
You can contact the clerks on clerks@1ec.co.uk or by phoning 0207 936 3030.
