In recent years, mediation has gained considerable attention as a voluntary and cost-effective means of dispute resolution. Since the implementation of Civil Justice Reform in Hong Kong in 2009, nearly all cases in the Court of First Instance are required to go through mediation. Consequently, demand for skilled mediators and mediation advocates, particularly in commercial cases, has been on the rise.
In 2019, the UN Singapore Convention on Mediation was unveiled. The Convention is a major breakthrough in the sphere of international commercial dispute resolution. It enables mediated settlement agreements to be enforced with speed and ease in each member state, in much the same way as the New York Convention allows arbitral awards to be recognised and enforced internationally. Thus far, the Singapore Convention has been signed by 55 countries (and counting) around the world including China, USA and Japan.
Most members of DVC have experience acting as mediators or mediation advocates. Many are accredited as mediators by HKMAAL in either the general or family category. With multi-lingual proficiency and commercial sensitivity, DVC members are adept at helping parties attain an amicable resolution of their dispute with a view to preserving long-term relationships.
Specific Areas of Expertise
- Commercial Mediation
- Family Mediation
- Mediation Advocacy
Des Voeux Chambers Members’ Contribution to Mediation
Several DVC members have served as members of the Mediation Committee of the Hong Kong Bar Association. In that capacity they have pioneered the training of mediation advocacy in conjunction with internationally renowned mediators and trainers. In addition, one of DVC’s juniors served as Chairman of the Hong Kong Mediation Council (a division of HKIAC) in 2019-2020.
