The findings of the Bar’s inaugural State of ADR survey were published on Friday to coincide with a mediation conference hosted by the Bar’s ADR committee.

The Mediation: Making Commercial Sense event brought together practitioners, State bodies, industry experts and judiciary to explore the evolving role of mediation in commercial and public sector dispute resolution.

More than six in 10 respondents said they believed that demand for ADR would increase, with court-directed ADR seen to have a particular impact.

Employment, construction and family disputes were identified as the top practice areas in ADR.

The vast majority (88 per cent) of respondents indicated that the use of ADR methods resulted in cost savings for the parties involved.

Friday’s conference featured a dynamic agenda of panel discussions and speakers which underscored the growing importance of mediation as a practical, cost-effective, and efficient alternative to litigation.

The first panel, on “Mediation in Practice”, was moderated by Louise Beirne BL and featured insights from Mark Connaughton SC, Peggy O’Rourke SC, Denise Waldron BL, and Rory Williams, CEO of Ronan Group Real Estate. It explored real-world applications of mediation in commercial, employment, and property disputes.

The second, “Mediation and the State”, was chaired by Hugh Mohan SC and included contributions from Attorney General Rossa Fanning SC; Doncha O’Sullivan, Department of Justice; Órla Kelly, Cantillons Solicitors; Georgina Farren BL; Ciarán Breen, State Claims Agency; and Sylda Langford, Workplace Relations Commission.

The final panel, moderated by Sara Moorhead SC, featured Sir Geoffrey Vos MR, Mr Justice David Barniville, Mr Justice Paul Coffey and Ms Justice Sara Phelan, offering an insight into the judiciary’s perspective on mediation’s role in the justice system.

Cathy Smith SC, chair of the Bar’s arbitration and ADR committee, said: “This survey illustrates a dynamic sector which is becoming increasingly central to the legal profession and offers significant benefit to clients and the public including cost-effectiveness, reconciliation and reduction of pressure on the courts system.

“The arbitration and ADR committee are committed to promoting and supporting these practice areas for members while emphasising the unique skills and expertise barristers can bring to the world of ADR.”