Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take?
The settlement deal is often done towards the end of the period allowed when time pressure adds urgency to the negotiation. So, save in very complicated disputes where it really does take a long time to go through a complex series of facts or circumstances, or where there are so many parties that more time is necessary, Consensus will probably recommend that one whole day be allowed.
That day can be very long sometimes, although the average time seems to be from 9.30am to the early evening. The parties usually like to have some time before the start of the mediation to discuss everything with their lawyers and so on, and after about 6 or 7pm they want to get matters wrapped up. Consensus encourages the parties to agree in advance a deadline for finishing of, say, 6pm to assist focus upon a conclusion. Having said that, it is not unusual for some mediations to go into the early hours of the morning.
All in all, it is safest to expect to travel to the venue the evening before if it is some distance from your home base, and to perhaps have to stay the next night as well depending upon how late it finishes.
It is also helpful to ensure that you are able to contact the person with the necessary authority back at the client organisation, or at home, if there are any limits on the settlement authority of the representative at the Mediation.
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