Alternative Dispute Resolution in Family Law

CPD 3 hours

PEAT Outcome - Relevant legal knowledge

OBJECTIVES

This seminar will cover three of the alternative dispute resolution methods used in family law. These are:

• Collaboration
• Arbitration
• Mediation

The learning objectives are to -

• Gain an understanding of the ADR processes
• Appreciate the benefit of getting the right ‘fit’ of process
• Understand the regulatory framework for advice giving on the topic of dispute resolution process
• Find out how that can be part of a wider reflective practice to enhance all areas of your work

PARTICIPANTS

This seminar will be of interest to solicitors, trainee solicitors and other legal professionals working in family law.

SPEAKERS

Anne Dick, Inkdance Family Mediation. Anne qualified as a solicitor in 1975. She was involved in family law from then and worked with other family lawyers and professionals from other backgrounds to make the process of separation as well supported as possible. She has trained as a family mediator over 24 years ago. She was the first family law mediator to be accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, in December 1993. She has experience as an arbitrator in family law issues and was one of the first 4 solicitors in Scotland to train in Collaborative Practice, in 2004. She has written books for people going through separation and for family lawyers and has devised and delivered training for lawyers and other professionals in negotiation, communication skills, Collaborative Practice and mediation.

Shona Templeton, MTM Family Law Solicitors. Shona has been qualified since 1988 and works exclusively in the field of Family Law. She has been Accredited by the Law Society as a Specialist in her field. Shona trained in the area of Collaborative Law back in 2004 and is now trained in Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice. She is Secretary of the National Collaborative Organisation “Consensus”. Shona is a member of the Family Law Association and has been for many years, previously being an active committee member for the organisation. In 2011 Shona trained as a Family Law Arbitrator and is now a Member of the Family Law Arbitration Group Scotland (FLAGS). She has now been invited to join the National Committee. Shona previously lectured in the field of Family Law and was also appointed as an External Examiner in Private International Law at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

Lesley Gordon, Partner, BTO Solicitors. Lesley is ranked in the Chambers UK legal directory and is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in family law and also as a CALM mediator. She has specialised in this area for twenty five years and is considered one of the foremost experts in Scotland. Lesley has a wide breadth of experience in all aspects of family law and has both a contentious and non-contentious practice. Lesley deals principally with the financial issues arising from the formation or breakdown of relationships, including those involving an international dimension. She has particular experience in cases involving the valuation of companies and the interface between partnership law and family law. Lesley is convenor of the Edinburgh pod of Scottish Collaborative Practice Group “Consensus” and is secretary of FLAGS, the Family Law Arbitration Group Scotland.

PROGRAMME

9:30-10:00 Registration and Coffee

10:00-11:00 Collaborative Practice – Shona Templeton

11:00-11:45 Arbitration – Lesley Gordon

11:45-12:00 Tea/Coffee

12:00-13:00 Family Mediation – Anne Dick

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Legal Services Agency Ltd, 134 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom