Business & Commercial Mediation in Canberra
A supplier hasn't paid. A business partner is pulling in a different direction. A client dispute has stalled and letters from lawyers are starting to arrive. Whatever the situation, the instinct is often to escalate, but escalating is expensive, slow, and usually damages the relationship permanently.
Mediation is the alternative: a skilled, neutral third party who brings both sides to the table, has a structured conversation, and gets you to resolution, faster and cheaper than litigation, and without the adversarial fallout.
The process is without prejudice and strictly confidential. Nothing discussed can be used as evidence if the matter later goes to court. Either party can bring a lawyer or adviser, but the mediator doesn't take sides or give legal advice. The goal is agreement, not judgment.
When Business & Commercial Mediation Can Help
-
Unpaid invoices or money owed between businesses
-
Supplier, client, or contractor disputes over service, quality, or payment
-
Commercial lease or franchise disagreements
-
Director, shareholder, or joint venture conflicts
-
Government-business contract disputes
-
Escalated consumer complaints that haven't resolved informally
If your dispute involves staff or employment matters, see our Workplace Mediation service instead. Not sure which applies? Start with a free 15-minute consultation.
Common Questions About Business & Commercial Mediation
How quickly can we get started?
Same-week availability in most cases. Once both parties agree to mediate, individual briefings can be scheduled within days and the joint session shortly after.
Is business mediation confidential?
Yes. Everything discussed is without prejudice and cannot be used as evidence in court. Individual briefings are also confidential between you and the mediator. The only exceptions are disclosure of a serious crime or genuine safety risk.
Can we bring lawyers to the mediation?
Yes. With prior agreement either party can bring a lawyer or adviser to any stage, including individual briefings and the joint session.
What if there is a power imbalance between the parties?
This is sometimes the case in business disputes. The mediator manages it by ensuring both parties have equal opportunity to be heard, establishing and maintaining ground rules and structuring the process to limit pressure tactics.
What if we cannot reach full agreement?
All other options remain available. You will also have a much clearer picture of where the other party stands, which is useful regardless of what comes next.
What happens at the end. Is the agreement binding?
Agreements are documented in writing by the mediator and can be formalised, often with thew assistance of lawyers if needed.
Contact Us
ADDRESS
L9/2 Phillip Law St,
Canberra ACT 2601
PHONE
02 6243 4891 (9am to 5pm) Mon to Friday