APRIL Fool's day this year saw the introduction of dramatic changes to the legal aid system, which will leave more people than ever struggling to cover the cost of legal representation and advice. Public funding has been withdrawn from entire areas of law, including compensation for personal injury, medical negligence and employment cases, as well as debt, housing, immigration and benefit claims.
The Government's extensive changes to the legal costs regime are designed to make litigation less profitable for the claimant and even more risky for those seeking to defend.
Further proposed reforms in respect of employment tribunal fees will come into effect in the summer, which will discourage employers and employees from going to a full tribunal hearing.
"We see these reforms as the government trying to drive litigants away from lengthy and costly litigation – whilst pushing them into the arms of mediators," says June Venters QC, managing partner of Venters Solicitors.
If that is the aim, then Venters Solicitors are ready. On Thursday, May 30, this niche firm of dedicated legal specialists will launch Venters Civil Mediation (VCM), a select group of highly experienced barrister and solicitor mediators who will provide a comprehensive mediation service both locally and further afield. VCM will build upon the well-established reputation of Venters Family Mediation which has successfully assisted many clients effectively to resolve their family disputes without the need to go to court.
VCM mediators have considerable experience as dispute resolution practitioners in a wide range of civil and commercial dispute areas.
Most of them have also been trained in the psychological approach to conflict, and so are skilled at handling highly emotional issues.
Mediation has now become a vital and central part of the civil justice system, and many people with stressful and time-consuming disputes are increasingly turning to mediators to help them resolve their conflicts in an inexpensive, swift and effective way.
The launch of VCM will take place at Venters Solicitors, 7a West Street, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 9BL.
Go to www.venters.co.uk