LawWorks
This profile covers the LawWorks Mediation scheme, which is available throughout England and Wales.
Further information is given below on:
Background
What disputes are eligible
Cost
How it works
Outcomes
Background
‘LawWorks’ is the operating name of the Solicitors' Pro Bono Group, and LawWorks Mediation is one of the projects which aims to provide legal services for free, to people who can’t afford a lawyer but who are not eligible for legal aid. LawWorks provides legal advice, representation in court, and also mediation.
top
What disputes are eligible
The main aim of LawWorks is to offer mediation and legal advice to clients of an advice agency such as a Law Centre or CAB, although mediation referrals also come direct from the public and the courts. It welcomes, in particular, cases involving:
- housing
- consumer
- employment
- property
- wills
- debt
It does not take on community or family disputes, but refers applicants to other free or low-cost mediation services in these areas.
top
Cost
The service is provided on a pro bono basis – this means it is free to the parties. If needed, LawWorks will also provide free legal advice and a free legal representative at the mediation. This is made possible by a panel of accredited mediators and lawyers who have volunteered to work for no fees where LawWorks considers the case deserving of pro bono assistance.
top
How it works
You can contact LawWorks directly to find out about its mediation. You can also be put in touch through the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) and other commercial mediation providers, or via your local CAB or Law Centre.
LawWorks has information about mediation on its website, including Frequently Asked Questions and an application form. There is a link to the site at the bottom of this page.
You will be asked to fill in an application form about the dispute, with information about how you have tried to resolve it so far, and details of your financial resources. You will need to send copies of the main documents to do with the case. This will then be reviewed by a senior solicitor, to see if your case qualifies for help.
This review normally takes about one week before a decision is made about accepting the case.
If LawWorks takes on the case, a member of staff will then contact the other party to discuss mediation and find out if they are willing to take part.
Arranging the mediation can take up to six weeks.
Mediation meetings are usually planned to last three hours. However, LawWorks also deals with simpler matters and small claims cases which can often be resolved in one hour, and are sometimes handled in separate telephone discussions with each party.
Mediations follow the same model as in Civil and commercial disputes.
top
Outcomes
As with all civil mediation, if you reach an agreement, a formal document is drawn up and signed by all parties. This becomes a legally binding settlement. Around 70% of LawWorks mediations result in a settlement, either at the mediation or shortly afterwards.
top
August 2011
