Mediation broader than you think: from shareholder dispute to licensing proceedings
Anyone who says “mediation” quickly thinks of family matters or neighborly disputes. Yet the practice is much broader: more and more entrepreneurs, shareholders, contractors and governments are getting around the table to get business disputes, licensing issues or stalled collaborations moving again. Attorneys and certified mediators Stefanie Claeys and Gregory Vermaercke explain how widely applicable mediation is today, and also bears fruit in a professional context.
Mediation, firmly rooted and surprisingly versatile
In our previous blogs (The power of mediation • The mediation process step by step) we already emphasized the power of mediation as a structured process, supported by three pillars: voluntariness, confidentiality and neutrality. A constructive and versatile way of dispute resolution, which also proves its value outside of a family or interpersonal context. Mediation is increasingly being used as a common dispute resolution method in civil and commercial disputes, as well as in complex governmental cases.
NOMA's certified mediators assist companies and governments in a wide range of disputes. From shareholder conflicts and contractual disputes to licensing issues with local governments. Discreet, thoughtful and focused on practical workable solutions.
Mediation in business disputes: where dialogue regains breath
Shareholders who hold divergent views, partners who disagree about the division of profits or work, suppliers who disagree about small print, ... Where people work together, frictions arise - so too in the corporate landscape.
The classic reflex when a dispute arises is often litigation. But litigation is usually a war of attrition: time-consuming, costly and rarely without lasting traces in the cooperation. To put it with a witticism: the only certainty in litigation, is uncertainty. Mediation takes a less harsh path, focusing on a solution that works - and continues to work - in practice.
Stefanie Claeys is a certified mediator at NOMA, focusing on civil and commercial matters. Within corporate and contract law, she assists entrepreneurs with, among other things:
- Disputes between shareholders or partners
- Disputes over non-compliance with contract terms, (commercial) leases or invoices
- Disputes over hidden defects in real estate transactions
These are all disputes in a business context, where mediation offers a time- and cost-effective alternative, carefully supervised by an experienced attorney-mediator.
Speed, discretion and workable solutions: mediation offers exactly what business owners and governments need in complex cases.
Government and environment: mediation as a bridge between visions
The legal landscape surrounding government and environment is also often complex, and thus prone to tensions and conflicts. Think of a permit for a new office site that encounters neighborhood protest, a dispute over the expansion of a manufacturing facility, or a discussion between contractor and city about the execution of a government contract. Even in these contexts, a mediator can reopen the conversation before the dispute escalates into a legal battle.
Gregory Vermaercke combines years of experience in government and environmental law with a solution-oriented mindset. As a licensed mediator, he assists governments and businesses in a variety of contexts, including:
- Permit files and consultation with local residents
- Conflicts over conditions of environmental or subdivision permits
- Disputes in the execution of public contracts
In the public playing field, mediation is not a luxury, but increasingly a necessity to turn tensions into supported solutions.
NOMA, legal partner in mediation for governments and businesses
Whether it concerns a professional dispute, a contractual dispute or a permit file: NOMA's accredited mediators guide entrepreneurs and governments in confidence, with an eye for nuance and result.
Curious as to whether mediation can make the difference in your case? Our attorneys are happy to welcome you for an exploratory meeting in Brussels, Bruges or Kortrijk.
Also read: The power of mediation • The mediation process step by step
Looking for dedicated lawyers?
NOMA's team is ready to assist you with expert advice and customized guidance in a confidential setting!
Feel free to contact us for a personal consultation at our offices in Brussels, Bruges or Kortrijk.
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