The University of Hull’s Law School is launching a new mediation service to the public from 1 February.

Run by a member of Law School staff, the service will offer affordable help with resolving a range of issues, from neighbour conflict mediation to commercial disputes between businesses.

<^{Professor Mike Feintuck}

It is a professional service and builds on the University’s existing legal advice service, providing an independent alternative to lawyers and the courts system.

Professor Mike Feintuck, a mediator accredited by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution will lead the service.

Professor Feintuck said: “Mediation is an increasingly popular way of settling a range of disputes which could prove costly, lengthy and very stressful if dealt with through the courts.

“The University has also proved it can offer legal services to the community through its existing Legal Advice Centre, and this new mediation service will build on that success. It is really important for us as a University with a respected Law School to share our expertise with the local community where we can.

“Whilst we will be charging a fee for mediation, it is very affordable, and any money we make will be ploughed back into the Law School’s Legal Advice Centre.”

The mediation service can be used for a variety of personal, employment and commercial disputes, however it will not take on family law cases involving children or domestic abuse.

As the service is based within the Law School, with the agreement of all parties mediation sessions will be observed by a final year law student.

Ends.