NICHE FEATURE
New
mediation centre
opens in Leicester Following the opening of The Mediation Centre in May, Niche hears from family mediator Ashwin Topiwala on the difference between court cases and mediation disputes
T
hought to be the first of its kind in Leicester, The Mediation Centre; a trading style of Dodds Solicitors LLP, has opened to help businesses, families and individuals resolve conflict without having to appoint a solicitor or go to court. The centre, in Friar Lane, is staffed by professional mediators who have the knowledge, expertise and experience to assist in commercial, domestic and workplace disputes. Ashwin Topiwala, a family mediator with 20 years’ experience, now also offers business and employment mediation services to a growing number of clients. He said: “Often we find that disputes aren’t just limited to one part of someone’s life. It may well be that a couple who are divorcing might also run a
business together, possibly with others, creating a potential for commercial conflict. “We are also able to assist in employment-related issues, such as where an employee feels they have been treated unfairly at work or in instances where an employer is having difficulties with a member of staff. “The aim of mediation is to find a workable solution that both parties – including corporate entities or individuals – can agree on without having to resort to litigation. Our services are effective, confidential and impartial, and much more affordable than appointing a solicitor or going to court. “It is also much less timeconsuming. Court cases can take months or sometimes years to be concluded, whereas mediation disputes can be settled in days or
THE AIM OF MEDIATION IS TO FIND A WORKABLE SOLUTION THAT BOTH PARTIES – CORPORATE ENTITIES OR INDIVIDUALS – CAN AGREE ON WITHOUT HAVING TO RESORT TO LITIGATION
even hours.” Rooms at the centre, can be booked by the hour or all day if necessary – and in some cases legal aid is available. Mediators meet the parties privately initially to gain a clearer idea of the nature of the conflict and how it might be resolved. Ashwin added: “Essentially, we provide a one stop shop, offering all mediation services under one roof in a setting that is central, comfortable, and confidential. “By seeking mediation, businesses and individuals can negotiate the outcome for themselves, which can help rebuild trust and mend broken relationships.” 0116 201 8566 dodds-solicitors.co.uk/themediation-centre NICHE | 33