“Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often the real loser — in fees, and expenses, and waste of time. As a peace-maker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.” – Abraham Lincoln

Civil Justice Reforms and Practice Direction 31 – Mediation have come into force for over ten years.  Mediation, as a means of alternative dispute resolution, has been evolving rapidly in Hong Kong and different parts of the world.  How can future lawyers provide quality dispute resolution services to their clients who demand efficiency, effectiveness and practical commercial solutions?

In this online seminar, Ms. Jody Sin, a professional mediator and dispute resolution lawyer, is going to share with you the importance of learning and understanding the principles of mediation and how it can strengthen your communication skills, negotiation techniques and problem-solving competence as a lawyer.

This online seminar will cover:

• Key features of Civil Justice Reforms and Practice Direction 31- Mediation;
• Mediation Ordinance (Cap 620 LHK);
• Facilitative mediation model;
• Interest-based negotiation principles;
• The clients’ expectation of lawyers in a mediation process;
• Effective mediation advocacy

About the Speaker:
Ms. Jody Sin, Solicitor and the Vice-Chairperson of Hong Kong Mediation Council

Ms. Sin has been a solicitor in Hong Kong with substantial experience in a wide range of commercial disputes before she has become a full-time mediation practitioner. She received her first mediation accreditation from the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) in 2001.  Since then, she has successfully mediated a broad spectrum of disputes, including employment, discrimination and workplace issues, professional indemnity claims, shareholders and partnership disputes, defamation, intellectual property, personal injuries, probate disputes, and financial disputes in matrimonial matters.  Ms Sin is also certified by overseas bodies, including International Mediation Institute and United Nations Global Mediation Panel.

Ms. Sin is currently the Vice-Chairperson of Hong Kong Mediation Council, a division of the HKIAC.  She is also a member of the Steering Committee on Mediation of the Department of Justice under the Secretary For Justice, Hong Kong.  Besides, she sits in the Mediation Committee and the Mediator Admissions Committee of the Law Society of Hong Kong. 

Ms. Sin is also an adjunct professor of the University of Hong Kong School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE).  She has been teaching HKIAC and HKMAAL accredited mediation course for over ten years.