The McIvor Farrell Negotiation Prize for the most outstanding student at the QUB Institute of Professional Legal Studies for 2013 goes to Kirsty Linkin who shall be presented with her bursary at her Graduation on the 28th June 2013 at Queens University Belfast.

The McIvor Farrell Prize was established by McIvor Farrell, Solicitors in 2011.

The prize is awarded annually to the Solicitor trainee in the Institute of Professional Legal Studies who attains the highest standard in an assessed exercise on the Negotiation course.

At present the assessed exercise is based on the trainees conducting a negotiation, drafting terms of settlement and analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the settlement.

A new website (www.mediatorsni.com) hosted by the Dispute Resolution Service and administered by the Law Society of Northern Ireland provides a dedicated information portal to help parties involved in a dispute by showcasing the benefits of mediation as well as the contact details for qualified local lawyer mediators trained specifically to work with disputing parties.

The new website will be officially launched at Law Society House by David Ford, Justice Minister.

The BBC is reporting that new rules on mediation come into effect in England and Wales on 6 April 2011. The rules make it obligatory to consider mediation by attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting.

Katie O’Callaghan comments:

In a divorce or separation, an independent mediator will assist the parties to reach agreement about arrangements regarding children and money….You should note though that mediation is not a forum to attempt reconciliation.

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