Mediation – No Longer Alternative but Mainstream in Progressive Civil Justice Systems
This conference will focus on the role of mediation across a range of areas, including probate, medical negligence, family and business disputes. Across three sessions, including a judicial panel, this event will explore the increasingly diverse applications of mediation as it evolves to be much more than an 'alternative' dispute resolution mechanism.
A networking lunch will take place on arrival in Jorge's restaurant located on the ground floor of Distillery Building.
Date: Friday, 5th June 2026
Time: 1.00-5.30pm
Location: Dublin Dispute Resolution Centre, Distillery Building, 145 - 151 Church Street
This is an in-person only event.
1:00pm - 2:00pm | Registration and Lunch
2:00pm | Opening Keynote Address - Chair of ADR Committee Michael O'Connor SC
2:15pm - 3:15pm | Panel Discussion: The March to Mainstream
Moderator: Clíona Kimber SC
Speakers:
Joseph M. Matthews, Mediator & Arbitrator, Florida
Paul McGarry SC
Hugh Mohan SC
Cathrina Keville BL
3:15pm | Networking Break
3:30pm - 4:15pm | Rapid Fire Roundup - Mediation Across the Spectrum
Moderator: Michael O' Connor SC
Speakers:
Michael Hourican SC: Peculiarities of Probate Mediations
Ger Ronayne, CEO, JJ Rhatigan & Company
Seán Ó hUallacháin SC: How Counsel can assist the Mediator in High Net Worth Family Mediations
Matthew York: Senior Vice President at Veritext Legal Solutions: Getting Irish Mediations to the next level
Oonah McCrann SC: Serving the needs of all stakeholders in Medical Negligence Mediations
Cathy Smith SC: Key Preparatory work in the week before a Mediation
4:20pm - 5:30pm | Panel Discussion: A view from the Bench
Moderator: Maura McNally SC
The Hon. Mr. Justice David Barniville, President of the High Court of Ireland
The Hon. Ms. Justice Sara Phelan, High Court of Ireland
The Hon. Mr. Justice Michael Humphreys, High Court of Northern Ireland
5:30pm | Drinks Reception in The Sheds